Occasionally, the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition presents the Junior Achievement Award to an individual deserving special recognition. This year, Andrew Fedorenko, a student from Orange Grove Elementary, was recognized for the award. His watercolor poster entry of a toucan perched on a branch also won him a summer of art classes at the Gibbes Museum of Art and a daylong artist workshop at Donnelly Wildlife Management Area on Green Pond with his teacher. Fedorenko and a dozen or so other students with outstanding artistic talent from around the state were chosen to attend the workshop. Provided by the S.C. Department of Natural Resources, this event brings wildlife artists and children together for a day of learning and exploring their talents.
Participants spend the day relaxing, painting and getting in touch with nature.
Artists are able to share some of their secrets and techniques while encouraging students to explore their creative skills. Dean Harrigal, a wildlife biologist at the Department of Natural Resources, has been involved in the workshop for many years. They are passionate about passing on their love of nature.