Event to take place at Bay Preserve in Osprey
The Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast is inviting the public to the opening reception of its inaugural Community Art Show, which will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, June 5.
The reception will take place at the not-for-profit land trust’s Bay Preserve headquarters in Osprey, which stands at 400 Palmetto Ave. (34229), a news release says. During the event, the jury’s Best In Show winner will be revealed, along with three merit award honorees, the release points out.
With a focus on paintings and drawings, this juried art exhibit showcases local natural lands through the eyes of members of the community at large, the release notes. The Conservation Foundation accepted submissions throughout April; then, a jury of local artists selected the pieces for the final exhibit. Each submission was “required to be Florida-centric and showcase nature,” the release adds.
“It is always a delight to see nature through the eyes of our conservation community,” said Christine P. Johnson, president of the Conservation Foundation, in the release. “The collection our jurors selected for inclusion truly highlights the beauty and diversity of Southwest Florida. We look forward to welcoming the public to the opening reception on June 5.”
The jurors evaluated every submission on the basis of how well the artist showcased nature, plus “use of color and texture, attention to detail, and the overall composition of the piece,” the release explains.
The artists’ names were shielded from the jurors during the selection process.
The jurors were fine artist and naturalist Jean Blackburn; fine artist Mary Louise O’Connell; and Lindsey Simonds, artist and founder of Litore Studio, the release adds.
Registration for the reception is required. To reserve space, visit conservationfoundation.com/events.
Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display from June 6 through Aug. 31, the release points out. Viewing hours will be Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. “Please call 941-918-2100 with questions or to inquire about holiday hours,” the release says.