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<P>Saturday, October 8th, from 4-7 p.m., a silent auction will be held to benefit the Fort Myers Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. The auction will take place at Tonic Hair Salon celebrating the opening of The Shoppes at Beachwalk (located between Gladiolus and Summerlin). Along with a cruise and golf clubs, one of the items donated is a symbolic painting by Kristin Abraham.  

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<P>This self-taught artist uses symbolic imagery in her paintings to portray emotion. In this piece, one end of a rope is tied to a familiar exit (Colonial off interstate 75), while the other end is tied to a seagull. The entire painting has a wash of iridescent silver; creating the illusion of a downpour. Abraham explains the piece as a feeling of being trapped in a “miserable paradise.”  However, with a bright blue sky peaking through the streams of rain, there is a hint of hope.

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<P>Kristin has been drawing and painting for as long as she can remember and, at only 22, looks forward to a fulfilling career as a visual artist. “It is important that when I donate my work, it goes towards making a difference. My husband’s nine year old cousin is a survivor of leukemia, and knowing that the money is going towards research gives me hope that there will be more survivors like her.” Kristin’s work has also been displayed in Florida and New York galleries such as Artemesia, Venice FL, and the Memorial Art Gallery, Rochester NY. Art lovers can experience the new “Inhibitions Series” at Abraham’s open studio show on Friday, October 28th (5-10 pm) and Saturday, Oct. 29th (10 am -7 pm). 

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<P>Along with Tonic Hair Salon, Biscotti’s Ice Cream & Coffee Bar, Apex Physical Therapy, and Lucky 7 Arcade are just a few of the seven new shops participating in the grand opening celebration. Hourly free giveaways and prizes will take place with entertainment provided by Groovin’ Oldies 102.9. After the Celebration, several of Kristin’s pieces will be available for sale and viewing at Tonic Hair Salon (15751 San Carlos Blvd., Ft. Myers, FL)

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<P>For directions and further information about the grand opening, contact Tonics Todd Bowers at (239)274-8633, or to view more of Kristin’s work, go online at www.KristinAbraham.com.