Local artists are putting the spotlight on Florida’s wild beauty in the annual Community Art Show Opening Reception, hosted by Big Waters Land Trust on Wednesday, June 3. The reception runs from 5 to 7 p.m. at Bay Preserve in Osprey at 400 Palmetto Ave., Osprey. Visitors will get a first look at the new exhibit, and Big Waters will announce the Best-In-Show winner along with three merit awards that night.
This year’s juried show is all about exploring local natural lands, seen through the work of artists who call the area home. Throughout April, artists submitted paintings and drawings inspired by Florida’s rich, diverse landscapes. From there, a jury made up of local artists and a professional curator chose the pieces that make up the final exhibit.
Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust, put it simply: “It is always a delight to see nature through the eyes of our conservation community. The collection our jurors selected for inclusion truly highlights the beauty and diversity of Florida as well as the need to save it. We look forward to welcoming the public to the opening reception on June 3.”
The team looked at how well artists captured the spirit of nature, their use of color and texture, attention to detail, and composition. To keep things fair, the jurors reviewed the artwork without knowing the artists’ names. This year’s jurors include Alicia Brown, a Jamaican contemporary realist painter celebrated for her technical skill and storytelling; Jen Kroeger, a multidisciplinary artist known for her colorful, nature-inspired pieces; and Christa Molinaro, Director of Exhibitions at the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design.
Reserve your spot to attend at bigwaterslandtrust.org/casreception—registration is required.
After the opening, you can catch the exhibit weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. through August 31, 2026. Have questions or want to confirm holiday hours? Call 941-918-2100 to get the details or arrange a visit.Big Waters Land Trust protects Florida’s land and water for everyone, people and nature alike. By working closely with individuals, groups, and government partners, they ensure that clean water, fresh air, healthy food, and wildlife habitat are here for us, and for generations to follow. Their work helps Florida weather storms and floods, and it keeps our community strong. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
