Deer Hound Citrus

C Fi 9939

Citrus growing has a long history in Florida. It is thought that none other than Ponce de Leon himself planted the first orange trees around St. Augustine in the mid-1500s. In the 1800s, Count Odet Phillipe planted the first grapefruit grove near Tampa. (Fun fact: Grapefruit got its name because the fruit grows in clusters like grapes.)

Fast forward to today, when citrus is a $9 billion annual industry in Florida.. At last count, our State had more than 74 million citrus trees. Florida is second only to Brazil in the world’s orange juice production, and most years provides 90% of the United States’ orange juice. Something to appreciate the next time you’re enjoying a cold glass of OJ.

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Artist

Mandy

Mandy Fulton

Mandy Fulton is completing her final year at Ringling College of Art and Design, studying fine arts. In Sarasota, she runs a local tie dye business where you can find her on Instagram @thetiedyeria. Her art work is primarily experimental. She uses mediums such as mold that allow room for chance to come into play, while incorporating elements of control herself. Mandy is currently interested in the art of abstraction through nature, but she used to work more figurative-based.

I wanted to be a part of this experience to bring art to the community, and do so with fellow friends. I think sidewalk art is such an exciting way to view art, getting to walk up directly on what you are looking at is a fun way to experience seeing art work. The variety of different artist's styles is something else that I love about this experience. Each piece is so diverse in style, and as you walk from square to square you can recall seeing an artist's hand you have already become familiar with. This project also brought a lot of people together in a positive way. Families gathering on a hot sunny day to paint together was very heart warming.

First, a clown. Then, Sarasota's Citrus Growers Association. An old drive-in movie theatre. Then, a map of the state, surrounded by native plants. I even had the pleasure of painting Elvis! I completed an alligator in Myakka State Park. And finally, an illustration-based piece of an old railroad.

Written By

Nanette Crist

Nanette Crist is a retired lawyer who began blogging when she moved to Florida. It was an online diary of sorts, a way to keep track of her new life. It was also a good way to share her discoveries with friends and family outside the area. Over time, Nanette realized her writing makes her experience the world differently. She keeps an eye out for interesting things to write about and then delves more deeply into them as she crafts her words. It's all about telling the story. Nanette's blog can be found at http://nanettesnewlife.blogspot.com.