Local artist and all-time volunteer Morgan Spicer was honored by the Mayor and Council at last week’s meeting of the Atlantic Highlands governing body, citing her excellence as the Artist of the Month.
The borough also had an impressive display of many of Spicer’s 50 different books she has been commissioned to do the artwork for over the past ten years.
In presenting the certificate to Spicer, Mayor Lori Hohenleitner also acknowledged the many hours the artist donates to so many different activities and events within the borough, most recently working with the volunteers at the new sensory garden on First avenue adjacent to the harbor.
In accepting the certificate, Spicer credited her parents with teaching her through example and education how important it is to pursue the right field to pursue. She noted that while she had a great affection for caring for animals and wanted to study the sciences to tend to them, she also knew she had a love and talent for artwork.
Both her college professor and her parents told her to pursue art, and taking care of animals would come to her naturally. Since then, Spicer said she has completed more than 7,000 portraits of animals, and all but one of her books features animals. Spicer and her husband have dogs as pets, and she maintains her BarkPoint Studios at home.
In addition to her books, and private commissions for artwork for individuals, Spice has created calendars for the Atlantic Highlands Environmental Commission highlighting the Lenape Nature Preserve also creates her artistic magic in calendars , posters, gift cards and other media.
Although appreciative and grateful for the honor at the council meeting, it did not hinder Spicer from speaking up during the public portion requesting the governing body to be aware of the dangers of insecticide sprays on lawns and public places near animals.
She also had on display a poster promoting PeacePoint, a non-profit organization she founded for animal advocacy. The first event of the newly formed group will be at 55 South Avenue on August 17 when the public is invited to enjoy shops, food trucks and visit with adoptable rescue animals
Peace Pointe’s aim is to make the connection between animal advocacy, animal rescue, and plant-based living. It plans are to build a cruelty-free animal rescue, while promoting earth-friendly actions such as gardening for wildlife, service in local communities to clean up or preserve remaining natural spaces, promote local vegan businesses and fellow animal rescues.
