Artist Jean Blackburn to present works in new exhibit at Conservation Foundation’s Bay Preserve headquarters

Oct. 9 reception planned

Otter is 12 inches x 12 inches, oil on panel, by Jean Blackburn. Contributed photo

The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast will host artist Jean Blackburn and her latest exhibit, Helping When We Can, at its Bay Preserve headquarters beginning with an Oct. 9 reception and continuing into early 2025, the nonprofit has announced.

Featuring a collection of Blackburn’s recent works, Helping When We Can“highlights the close relationships between humans and the animals around us,” a news release says. “A certified Master Naturalist, Jean works regularly with wildlife rehabilitators and notes that sometimes creatures in need come to her and her husband on their own looking for assistance,” the release continues. “Blackburn’s 14-acre property in the Old Miakka Community provides a varied landscape for native species and offers ample opportunities for her to observe wildlife living without human interference,” the release points out.

The Conservation Foundation reception for the exhibit will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, the release says. Light refreshments will be served, the release continues, and the artist will be present to answer questions about her work.

“Select pieces will be available for sale,” the release notes, “with Blackburn generously donating” 100% of the proceeds to the Conservation Foundation to be used in its efforts to protect Southwest Florida’s land and water.

“Registration for the opening reception is required,” the release points out. For more information and to RSVP, visit conservationfoundation.com/events.

Following the reception, the exhibit will be on display Oct. 10 through Jan. 7, 2025, the release adds. It may be viewed Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

A third generation Florida native, Blackburn was born and grew up on Anna Maria Island, the release notes. She received a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida, an associate of science degree in biological parks technology from the University of Florida and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Oregon, where she was awarded a two-year graduate teaching fellowship, the release adds. Blackburn also is a certified Master Gardener, the release points out.

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker is 12 inches x 12 inches, oil on wood panel with incised lines. ‘The image is of a yellow-bellied sapsucker who flew into my studio window and was stunned,” artist Jean Blackburn says. ‘He was lying on his back in the sun so I picked him up, kept him quiet and secure until he regained consciousness and flew from my hand.’ Contributed photo

She has taught fine arts at the State College of Florida, the Ringling College of Art + Design, and New College of Florida, the release continues. Blackburn previously served on the Sarasota County Environmentally Sensitive Lands Oversight Committee (ESLOC) and the boards of the Sea to Shore Alliance and The Friends of Myakka River State Park, the release says

With her husband, the release adds, she splits her time between a small farm in Old Miakka and a cottage in the Town of Longboat Key.

Anyone with questions — including those related to holiday hours — may call the Conservation Foundation’s office at 941-918-2100, the release says.