For Immediate Release Contact: Monica Haskell

March 27, 2001 305-294-4406

Dolphins on Parade a Bubbling Success

The Monroe Council of the Arts Dolphins on Parade campaign culminated in three highly successful gala auctions last week: Thursday night at the Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada, Friday night at the Banana Bay Resort in Marathon, and Saturday night at the Custom House in Key West.

By showcasing the extraordinary wealth of artistic talent in the Florida Keys, Dolphins on Parade demonstrated to the public and to the business community the importance and the economic advantage of supporting the arts.

By encouraging businesses and organizations to commission art, Dolphins on Parade created partnerships that will stimulate further creativity among diverse populations.

And by offering for auction the lovable dolphin statues that have been a familiar part of Keys life since last March, the Arts Council raised $100,000 for local artists through respected grant programs such as ArtReach and Artists in Schools.

The artists who created the individual dolphins receive ten percent of the sale price.

The exciting on-line dolphin auction runs throughout April. Visit www.keysarts.com.

For more information call Monica Haskell at 305-294-4406.