Short Bio
I am asking artists to make a portrait of a single person, 'Sticky' Steve Morrison, from Lake Wales, Florida. Sticky has been a friend of mine for 20 years. Anyone that knows him would instantly agree that he is worthy of a project such as this. He has been an underground community figurehead for much of his adult life.
Working with The Nature Conservancy up until his retirement, he dedicated his time to natural land conservation that has ensured the preservation of thousands of acres in Polk County for plants and animals for years to come. He has often led annual hikes with local elementary and middle school students, and educated them on the importance of conservation.
Steve has also been a fiddler/singer in the band 'Sticky Steve and the Pollinators', a like-minded group of friends that has played in many local festivals and around many campfires for the last 30 years.
After the death of his wife Sandy (also a musician), Steve formed a not-for-profit organization called Sandy's MusicGirls in collaboration with the Lake Wales Arts Council. Its mission is to encourage young girls to pursue their musical interests with camps, lessons, and instrument loan programs. These programs have been free of charge, and to date have helped hundreds of girls with their musical potential.
There is definitely a sense of giving back to the community in Steve's timeline, and he has provided a great example of how to live a meaningful life. Steve is not one to seek out the spotlight, and he actually suggested five other individuals that he thought would make more deserving subjects. Eventually, I convinced him that he was THE ONE, and he reluctantly agreed.
Having majored in Fine Arts at FSU, Steve has always encouraged others to make art. He truly understands the value of creating, and the results of this unique, local, collaborative exhibit will hopefully inspire all those involved.
Thank you for participating!
Paul O'Neill
Working with The Nature Conservancy up until his retirement, he dedicated his time to natural land conservation that has ensured the preservation of thousands of acres in Polk County for plants and animals for years to come. He has often led annual hikes with local elementary and middle school students, and educated them on the importance of conservation.
Steve has also been a fiddler/singer in the band 'Sticky Steve and the Pollinators', a like-minded group of friends that has played in many local festivals and around many campfires for the last 30 years.
After the death of his wife Sandy (also a musician), Steve formed a not-for-profit organization called Sandy's MusicGirls in collaboration with the Lake Wales Arts Council. Its mission is to encourage young girls to pursue their musical interests with camps, lessons, and instrument loan programs. These programs have been free of charge, and to date have helped hundreds of girls with their musical potential.
There is definitely a sense of giving back to the community in Steve's timeline, and he has provided a great example of how to live a meaningful life. Steve is not one to seek out the spotlight, and he actually suggested five other individuals that he thought would make more deserving subjects. Eventually, I convinced him that he was THE ONE, and he reluctantly agreed.
Having majored in Fine Arts at FSU, Steve has always encouraged others to make art. He truly understands the value of creating, and the results of this unique, local, collaborative exhibit will hopefully inspire all those involved.
Thank you for participating!
Paul O'Neill
His nickname 'Sticky' comes from his many years as a commercial/hobbyist beekeeper!