(From Press Release - Reformatted for style but otherwise unedited.)

Art Sanctuary Isle is a whole new site based on Raspirit Heron's artwork; after initially being started in the skies above Hardangerfjord, Art Sanctuary rapidly evolved into a shared vision between the artist and SL content creator and scripter WieBenIk Beaumont; Raspirit Heron's (aka Tone Aa's) RL paintings are being transformed into an environment; with the moods and atmospheres characteristic in her imagery.

The paintings which the site is based on are also exhibited throughout the site - a fairytale-like island with 'Castle of Golden Apples' (a nine story high castle filled with poems and images), Frog Castle (where her more nature-inspired paintings are shown), and Sun Flower House, Magical apple trees and gates, a chariot pulled by sea horses, and many more SL inspired creations.

See blog: http://art-sanctuary.blogspot.com/

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Art%20Sanctuary/178/88/22

Raspirit Heron is also a featured contributing writer at KrystalEpic: http://krystalepic.com/

The artist:

Raspirit Heron - RL Norwegian artist Tone Aa, was educated at Pratt Institute in New York. She majored in Fine Arts; MFA - painting, but always had a great love for animation - which has manifested in extended RL Flash animations ('court artist' for the music group Secret Garden).

SL offers a whole new dimension to her 'painted universe' - and a fantastic opportunity to rendez vous with her love for animation; o be able to 'walk into' and experience this universe in 3D; the Art Sanctuary is a team project being developed by WieBenIk Beaumont, SL content creator, and the artist, Raspirit Heron.

OFFICIAL OPENING:

To accommodate our friends in different time zones, we have two opening times,
but all are welcome at any time!:)

21:00 CET  - 12:00 SL time - 'European Opening'

CELEBRATION PARTY

Dance on the spinning Zodiak circle

• DJ Chelle Moore - back from RL Chicago conference, 20/20 and ABC news!

Get inspired to write a poem or a story

... and enter the 'POETRY and STORY CONTEST' in collaboration with KrystalEpic

The Norwegian composer Grieg is celebrated this year - 100 years since his death. Enniv Zarf will play us some of Grieg's music,in a nice set of classical pieces and his own beautiful improv.

24:00 CET - 15:00 SL time - 'American Opening'  - the party continues!