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As a Dominican-American artist, I want to create art work that represents my culture. The illustration of the sea turtle was inspired by the Saona Island Turtle Sanctuary in Mano Juan, Dominican Republic. The sanctuary protects 3 types of Turtle species: Grean sea turtle, leatherback sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle. The illustration itself is of the hawksbill turtle because of their risk of extinction and the Bayahibe Rose on its shell represent the national flower of the Dominican Republic. Thankfully the island is protecting over 25 nesting females per year to hopefully help their populations grow.  Unfortunately, Turtles are constantly killed and hunted for their shells. I hope to donate the proceeds of the sales of this illustration and am currently in the works of finding the correct people to make this happen. 

Sources: Amazing Saona Island Turtle Sanctuary in Dominican Republic

Size: 2.25 inches (58mm)

Illustration by: Daniela M Hernandez