🌱 Coffee And Conversation + Mandala Mug Monday + Red Tide Update

Hi all! It's Kristen, your host of the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Here's all the local news you need to know right now, including:

• Art vendors needed for The Warehouse Club of Dunedin craft fair
• DFAC Coffee and Conversation with Bill Parker
• Mandala Mug Monday at Caledonia Brewing

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — voted Tampa Bay Magazine’s best small art gallery cooperative for 2022

Since 1971, Studio 1212 – a non-profit art gallery owned and managed by an all-volunteer group of local, award-winning artists — has been a part of the creative community in the Dunedin area.

Here are a few things you can do at Studio 1212:

• Attend an exhibit of local artists (check out the schedule here)
• Get your own artwork critiqued for free by volunteer artists (on the first Saturday and third Tuesday of each month at 10 a.m.)
• Support local artists by buying their work – art prints, note cards and fine hand-crafted gift items – in the gift boutique
• Sign up for a workshop to expand and improve your own artistic abilities
• Join other local art lovers by becoming a benefactor of Studio 1212 (Learn more here.)

Studio 1212 is located at 234 Monroe St. in Downtown Dunedin, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit Studio 1212 — a part of the Dunedin area arts community for over 50 years.

Now, today's weather: Mostly sunny. High: 81 Low: 66.

🏠 If you're a real estate agent in Dunedin, of course you're looking for a way to stand out from the crowd and attract new clients. We can help you do that with an exclusive sponsorship in the Dunedin Patch newsletter. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top 3 stories in Dunedin today:

1. The Dunedin Fine Art Center is holding its regular Coffee and Conversation on March 16 with Bill Parker. Stop by the DFAC at noon to hear Bill's presentation titled "Why Plein Air Painting, Unique Experiences, and Challenges." Plein air painting refers to painting outdoors with the subject matter in front of you. DFAC members can join for free, while others can for just $5, which includes coffee. Click the link to learn more about Bill's artwork and what to expect during the event. (DFAC)
2. Caledonia Brewing is hosting Mandala Mug Monday on March 27 between 6:30 and 8 p.m. Join Jennifer of HomeGrown & RockSolid for this fun class and learn how to create a beautiful, dotted mandala on a coffee mug. No skills are required, and designs can be done after learning a few easy techniques. Tickets are $40 per person and include all materials needed to bring home a fully decorated mandala mug! (Eventbrite)
3. Unfortunately, heavy concentrations of red tide have been reported along the Dunedin Causeway and Clearwater Beach, just in time for spring break. Not only does red tide impact beaches by filling shores with dead fish, but many people experience respiratory irritation when they're around the beach. Remember, red tide releases toxic chemicals, so avoid the beaches where sightings have been reported. You can find more information on red tide here. (WUSF News)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Ginny Lamberton, for sharing this adorable photo of your pup with the Blue Jays' mascot!

Want to see your Dunedin photo here? Submit it to Dunedin@Patch.com for consideration! Please confirm in the email that you own the rights to the photo and that Patch has permission to republish it.

Today in Dunedin:

• Intro to Taoist Tai Chi at the Hale Senior Activity Center (9 a.m.)
• PAVA’s Annual Members' Awards Exhibit at The Cool Art Shop (11 a.m.)
• Dunedin Newcomers Club luncheon at the Dunedin Golf Club (noon)
• Steel City Rovers in concert at the Scottish Cultural Center (7:30 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• Warmer weather has arrived! Kiwanis Sprayground reopens on March 11, located on Ed Eckert Drive. Stop by with your kids and stay cool this summer. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• In honor of International Womens Day, the City of Dunedin shared a video with the Owner of I Got Inspired Today, Sonya Holley. Click the link to hear Sonya share what inspires her and some words of wisdom. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Meet Ginny, who has been stuck at Pinellas County Animal Services shelters for nine months. According to those who know her, Ginny "is not her best self inside the kennel, but just look at her once she is in a home." They shared a video and photos of Ginny playing in the yard and being a big mush! Meet Ginny today at Pinellas County Animal Services on Ulmerton Road in Largo. (Pinellas County Animal Services via Facebook)
• The Warehouse Club of Dunedin is looking for art vendors for a craft fair on May 6 between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. The fee is just $20, which goes towards supporting the club. To participate, register for a vendor spot here. (The Warehouse Club of Dunedin via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings & Home or Office Cleansings —
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Featured events:

• Annual Members' Awards Exhibit and Reception (March 9)
• Forget Me Not- Moving through Grief as Caregivers (March 11)
• Annual Fashion Show Fundraiser & Luncheon (March 11)
• Bada$$ Baritone Concert (March 11)
• Largest Hop-on, Hop-off Brew Crawl (March 11)
• Pinellas Federated Republican Women will be hosting Kathleen King, RNC National Committeewoman (March 14)
• Breast Ultrasound Screening Coming Direct to You! (March 17)
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Featured announcements:

• Travel Agency - M and D Travel-Dream Vacations - Celebrity Cruise Deals. (Details)
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Featured job listings:

• Assistant to the Rector (Details)
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You're all caught up for today! See you tomorrow morning for your next update.