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Current and Upcoming Exhibitions

WCA’s Beautiful Harvest at Selby Gardens  Mansion

Harvest. A time when we celebrate, and luxuriate in, hard work borne fruit. Women Contemporary Artists’ Autumn Show at Selby Botanical Gardens, Museum of Botany & Art,  bears witness to seeds of creativity carefully sown, nurtured and collected for display.

The standout piece in the show---and the first place winner--is “Roseate Spoonbill” by Suzanne Coogan. A trio of Spoonbills stand beautifully modeled and exquisitely colored against an aqua background. The Spoonbills are delicate and sculpturally robust simultaneously—like the birds themselves. It’s a fine example of ‘painterly photo-realism’ and should not be missed.

Second place went to Jessica Miller with “Corkscrew Swamp.”  This watercolor aptly reflects the glorious abundance—and beauty—of our native swamps. This piece begs a closer inspection to fully appreciate the thoughtful attention to even the smallest details. Judy Lyons Schneider reveals her sure hand with the print format in “Frondescence Series #2,” taking third place with a delicate layering of imagery that evokes the patterns of light and shade in the dappled environment of understory areas.

“I congratulate the Women Contemporary Artists for their continued fine work in this present show.  It has been a pleasure to see such a variety of excellent and personal work,” noted Beth Arthur, artist, who juried the show on a botanical theme. On the faculty for Continued Education at the Ringling School of Art and Design, her paintings and collages are in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Europe, and Japan. 

The 48 pieces in the show range in style and content, filling each of the rooms at the Museum of Botany with glorious orchids, striking banana trees, and views of Selby Gardens as interpreted by a number of artists. Merit awards went to Julie Trigg, Jamie Friedli and Sally Sloan.

“Marie Selby Botanical Gardens is honored and pleased to be hosting the Women Contemporary Artists Juried Autumn Exhibition in our Museum of Botany and the Arts.” Commented Marilynn R. Shelley, Manager, Community Classes & Exhibits. “This vibrant group of women have based their current show on portions of Selby's mission and vision statements--focusing their multi-media artistic talents to create an exhibition highlighting tropical plants and their habitats.  All visitors are invited to enjoy this exhibition and enrich their experience at our beautiful botanical gardens.”

Meet the Artists

The show opened on October 20 and runs through December 5.  The public is invited to a special reception to “Meet the Artists” on Thursday November 10th from 6 to 8 PM.  Selby Botanical Gardens, Museum of Botany & Art The gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM and is located at 811 South Palm Avenue in Sarasota, corner of Tamiami.  For further information, please call Marilynn Shelley at 366-5731.  www.womencontemporaryartists.com