I am thrilled to be a part of “Environmentally Engaged” Art Exhibit at the Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum in Tequesta, Florida. The opening night is September 17th and I am told I won an AWARD for my painting of the Julia Butterfly Lifecycle!!! They will not disclose the awards until the opening night so I have no idea what is in store for my painting!
I am always looking for venues to expose my art to as many people as possible. I try to keep up with the exhibits through the ASBA and other botanical and Natural Science exhibits. There is a lot of competition within these venues and sometimes I get in, and sometimes I don’t. It is always dis-heartening when a rejection letter comes via email or snail mail…… but you have to push on! So I try to think outside of the “box” and enter shows that are not the typical prospects. I was on Juried Arts and found this show advertised. The Lighthouse ArtCenter Museum advertised for artists’ work that stimulates conversations to develop strategies and policies to foster awareness and positive environmental change in Florida’s ecosystem. For the past 4 years that I have lived in Florida I am awestruck at its beauty. I always thought of Florida as a retirement community as well as one great big theme park….Disney, SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, and Universal Studios……. I never thought of it as a Nature Lover’s Paradise. I started kayaking and found so many beautiful and still wild places. I also have learned that Florida is one of the most altered places in the USA because of invasive species. The two pieces I entered into the exhibit are diversely opposite. The Julia Butterfly Lifecycle (above right) is part of my Symbiosis series which shows the interconnectedness of native species….. plant and insect thriving in harmony. The other painting (bottom right): The AirPotato Vine and Beetle is also a symbiotic relationship…. The beetle is an experimental bio control effort to eradicate or at least subdue the highly invasive and destructive AirPotato Vine. I am glad to see such exhibitions taking place to expose the general public to art which conveys these issues as well as offer solutions. The show runs from September 10 until October 24. If you are in the area, pop in and see the show!