Simsbury Teachers to Auction Fabulous Fish

As fishermen prepare to hit the Connecticut waterways this spring, Simsbury art teachers are teaming up with the Farmington River Watershed Association, REI and other artists to raise money to protect the Farmington River and watershed.

The FRWA is hosting the second Fabulous Fish for the Farmington Gala on Sunday at the REI store in West Hartford center and 13 Simsbury art teachers have joined other local, national, and international artists to contribute to the gala.

Paul Kulikowski, an art teacher at , first heard about the event from FRWA member Debbie Leonard and decided to recruit his fellow Simsbury teachers to take part.

"I knew it would be a fun and creative way for us art teachers to show our support for the local community while at the same time using our creative talents to help support the important work of the watershed association," Kulikowski said in a recent email.

The first event was held in 2010 and saw such great success that organizers decided to coordinate the gala again this year.

Each artist has contributed a life-size wooden fish that will be auctioned off during a silent auction at the gala. The proceeds from the event will help the FRWA "protect water quality and foster environmental stewardship throughout the Farmington River Watershed," according to the FRWA website.

The event, which will be held on Earth Day, April 22, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. at REI in West Hartford center, will offer food, music, and a silent auction. Guests will have an opportunity to place bids on the crafted fish during the event.

According to the website, contributing artists could use blank fish templates provided by the FRWA or create their own but the designs for the fish are "inspired by the natural diversity of the watershed, the beauty of fish, and the creativity of the artists."

Fish from the first gala can be seen on the Fabulous Fish for the Farmington blog.

For more information on the event visit the Farmington River Watershed Association website or call 860-658-4442.