🌱 Ukrainian Refugee Wins Show + Inspiring Interview + Piping Camp

Hello, neighbors! Kristen here with your fresh copy of the Dunedin Patch newsletter, full of all the things you need to know about what's going on locally. Including stories on:

• Dunedin Fire Rescue is looking for experienced firefighters.
• Ukrainian refugee Mykola Herun finds solace in Dunedin's art community.
• Painter Debbie Lewis shares how she became an artist in her forties.

Today's newsletter is sponsored by Studio 1212 Art Gallery

Visit Dunedin’s Studio 1212 Art Gallery — for two years in a row, named by Tampa Bay Magazine the best small art gallery cooperative for 2023

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 10am)
• 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: Heavy afternoon thunderstorms. High: 89 Low: 77.

Here are the top 3 stories today in Dunedin:

1. After fleeing from Ukraine, Mykola Herun found solace in the art community in Dunedin. He and his wife were forced to leave behind most of their possessions, including Mykola's art supplies, when they came to live with their daughter Olena Hristov and her husband Vesko, who own Veskolini Cafe. According to Olena, her parents didn't want to leave their home, but ultimately made the decision to stay with her until the war ends. After hearing about his experience, the artists of Studio 1212 Art Gallery donated art supplies to Mykola so he could paint again. He has since gone on to win "Best of Show" at a recent art show and will be participating in a Double Artist Pop-Up Show alongside local watercolor artist Debbie Lewis. The show is scheduled for June 25 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Veskolini Cafe. Read more about Mykola's incredible journey at the link. (Dunedin Patch)
2. Speaking of Debbie Lewis, the local artist recently spoke about her experience as a painter in an interview with Voyage Tampa. While you may be familiar with her Dunedin landscapes or doggie portraits, few people know that her journey as an artist didn't begin until she was in her late forties. While suffering from an illness that drained her energy, Lewis noticed she had acquired the urge to create something beautiful. "Maybe it was always there, but I never saw or felt it until the body was in such dire straits that the creative urge fought its way to the surface — proof of the fact that there’s much more to all of us than the bodies we occupy." Read more about her journey as an artist at the link, and be sure to stop by her upcoming show on June 25 between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. at Veskolini Cafe! (Voyage Tampa)
3. Have you always wanted to learn how to play the bagpipes or drums? The Dunedin Tide of Piping & Drumming week-long camp begins June 25, offering instruction in piping, snare, bass, and tenor drumming. Classes will be held Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with special evening events, including an instructor recital and student performances. The camp will then wrap up on June 30. Those interested in participating can learn more about the camp and how to sign up at the link. (Eventbrite)

Dunedin Patch Pic of the Day:

Thank you, Marlene Winn, for sharing this incredible photo of a lubber, which is the largest grasshopper in North America!

Want your photo to be included in the Dunedin Pic of the Day or Inspired by Dunedin section? 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:

Thursday, June 22

• Veteran Coffee Social at VFW Post 2550 Dunedin (9 a.m.)
• Kids' Canvas Class at Art from the Heart Cafe (3 p.m.)
• Rainbow Dinner at The Honu (5 p.m.)
• Watch Party Thursday — Pride Edition at the Scottish American Society (6 p.m.)
• Red Wines Around the World at Grape Bottle (6 p.m.)
• Pride Bowling Night at Dunedin Lanes (10 p.m.)

From my notebook:

• The City of Dunedin shared some footage of kids participating in the city's fishing summer camp program. Watch them casting their lines off the pier at the Dunedin Marina at the link! If your child is interested in joining in on the fun, sign them up here. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Dunedin Fire Rescue is looking for experienced firefighters! They are offering additional compensation for up to five years of experience and a bonus for anyone who is a Pinellas County certified paramedic. Learn more about the position and how to apply at the link. (City of Dunedin via Facebook)
• Celebrate 10 years with Frenchy's Outpost at their anniversary party planned for June 24 at 8 p.m. Stop by to enjoy yummy food and live music with Kenny! (Frenchy's Outpost via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Tarot Card Readings! Personal and Parties! —
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Pirate Brew Crawl Trolley (June 24)
• Murder Mystery & Casino Night! (June 24)
• Disney Descendants, The musical (June 30)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this beautiful Thursday! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow morning with a new update.