Wales Tourism and Visit Planning

A Celebrated Mermaid

The mermaid has been a symbol of beauty and a legendary sea creature for thousands of years. Tales of mermaids date back to ancient times and have been depicted by artists in countless ways over the centuries but none in the unique technique and style of marine artist and environmentalist Ron G. Steven of Art by Rogest. Ron's colorful and textured style stems from an appreciation of Australian Aboriginal "dot painting" and uses vibrant colors as well as sand and seawater to create texture and truly incorporate the marine environment into his work.

Recent collaboration between Art by Rogest and Caradonna Dive Adventures, the largest dive travel specialist in North America, whose company logo includes a mermaid with flowing hair, has resulted in not only a beautiful work of art, but also a timely fund-raiser to benefit the Coral Reef Alliance, an organization dedicated to global coral reef conservation. The original was commissioned and presented to Caradonna Dive Adventures' founder, Ann Caradonna, as part of the company's 20th Anniversary celebration at the annual DEMA dive trade show. A limited number of art prints were also created to be sold, the proceeds of which will benefit the Coral Reef Alliance. Click here to see details on purchasing the art for a worthy cause. Artist Ron Steven has also contributed a portion of his fee to the same cause as part of his generous and ongoing efforts to support marine conservation.

Caradonna Dive Adventures had much to celebrate at this year's show. After over 20 years of selling predominantly the Caribbean, Central America and Mexico, they have now introduced a global product line which includes a wide selection of Pacific destinations as well as some exotic and exciting "Extreme Adventure" expeditions. The company was recently purchased by one of the leading travel companies in the world, First Choice Holidays, PLC (based in the UK). While founder Ann Caradonna and partner Frank Recca are no longer actively involved in daily operations, the management staff has changed little with previous Vice President Timothy Webb, now President, leading an experienced staff into this new and globally connected era. "It is an exciting time for all of us," says Webb, "As our horizons expand we look forward to being able to offer the world of diving to our clients looking for 'hassle-free' dive travel with the same excellent service that Caradonna is so well known for."

Efforts to support marine conservation groups are also an initiative that Caradonna plans to continue as an integral part of their business plan. The collaboration between Art by Rogest and Caradonna Dive Adventures serves as an excellent example of how industry partners can utilize their own resources to give something back to the environment. Artist Ron Steven is no stranger to this concept. He has incorporated his enthusiasm for the cause into all of his work and supports numerous marine conservation organizations through his work. "To me this is a wonderful way of making a difference, being part of dive history and contributing to the environment" says Steven. "My art is a way of conveying to our children, future generations and ourselves the importance of looking after our lands and our oceans. I love to paint and what I paint I love." Prints can be ordered by going to Caradonna Dive Adventures' web site at www.caradonna.com . It's just in time for the holidays and a great way to give more than just a gift. A small contribution of only US$20 is all it costs for a print of this unique work of art that will not only be a welcome addition to any art lover's collection, but provide much needed funding to protect and preserve the marine environment for future generations. Additional works by Art by Rogest can also be found at www.rogest.com .

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