Claire Murray  making a difference for  Gulf region in crisis   Earlier this year, Claire designed 'Sea Turtle', inspired by the graceful presence and unique beauty of this creature that hatches in the white sands along the gulf waters. The 'Pelican' has been a customer favorite in Claire's wildlife collection for many years. For each of these sold $10 will be donated to The Audubon Nature Institute or The National Wildlife Federation.  Women and the Sea Claire’s book, Women and the Sea, featuring 16 women who have been enchanted by the sea, and built their lives around this inspiration, is included in the special Art of Giving campaign for the Gulf Region. Women and the Sea pays tribute to all sisters of the sea. $10 from the sale of each coffee table book Women and the Sea will be donated to The United Way Gulf Recovery Fund. The United Way Gulf Recovery Fund will provide emergency assistance, such as help with food, rent and utilities, and support long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives devastated by the disaster by addressing educational, financial and health-related challenges. The Louisiana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program LMMSTRP, coordinated by Audubon Aquarium of the Americas since 1993, has been designated as the primary responder for the recue, rehabilitation and release of all marine mammals (dolphins, whales and manatees) and sea turtles along the Louisiana coast. The NWF along with its five Gulf state affiliates and other partners, are establishing an extensive Gulf Coast Volunteer Surveillance Network, to track and report on the impacts of the oil spill, support wildlife rescue and rehabilitation efforts, and restore damaged delicate coastal ecosystems in the gulf of Mexico.

Gulf Coast Beauty The natural beauty and wildlife found along the coasts and wetlands have always inspired Claire Murray’s art and designs for rugs and home accessories. Her homes and art studios have always been near the sea; from the Olympic Peninsula to Nantucket Sound and the Florida Coastline. Claire Murray has been designing and creating artwork inspired by the Gulf of Mexico’s lush splendor from her Naples home studio for the past decade. 'Birds of the Everglades' and 'Coral Reef' have been staples of her collections and are found in homes all along the Atlantic and Gulf Coastline. Now the region’s people and wildlife are threatened by the Gulf Oil Disaster. Heart-breaking images of mammals and shore birds, as well as emotive stories from those who live in the region are causing many of us to want to lend a helping hand and be a part of the rehabilitation for sea life, restoration of the coast, and support for the communities affected. Earlier this year, Claire designed 'Sea Turtle', inspired by the graceful presence and unique beauty of this special creature that hatches in the white sands along the warm waters of the Gulf. 'Pelican' has been a customer favorite in Claire’s Wildlife repertoire for many years. Claire Murray has selected these special rugs whose images are of those currently threatened by the disaster in the Gulf. 'Sea Turtle' and 'Pelican' are featured as a part of the  program. 'Sea Turtle' and 'Pelican' are currently in production and available to order. $10 from each sale of these rugs will go to The Audubon Nature Institute or The National Wildlife Federation. In addition this year Claire has created a very special 'Forget Me Not' rug to benefit the Alzheimer's, Hospice, and Palliative Care organizations. Claire Murray Art of Giving - some of its history On Nantucket, many years ago, I created a rug to benefit 'A Safe Place' (now retired) which asssisted and supported women and families affected by domestic violence. Later, my design 'Home Sweet Home', was offered to support Hospice Care on the Cape and Islands. Earlier this spring, we hosted an Idea House home tour in St. Michaels, Maryland, featuring my home accessories used for decor at three beautiful waterfront homes. Items used in the featured homes were available to order, with a portion of these sales donated the The Red Cross. Rugs have been donated from my stores throughout New England to local organizations from silent auctions and raffles supporting research to cure Cancer and AIDS, to funding programs at local youth clubs and animal shelters. Most recently I donated 'Santa's Friends' a Kindred Spirits© area rug, designed in collaboration with artist Nancy Thomas, to the African Child Foundation for their Safari of Hope fundraiser. The African Child Foundation provides funds to support over 400 orphan children with clean water, shelter, nourishing food, medical care and a quality education in the slums outside Nairobi, Kenya. The monies received go to the education of high school age girls that would not have an opportunity to attend school. Their goal is to break this cycle of poverty and empower these girls through education to become healthy, self-sustaining women.