For immediate release Media contact - Susan Cumins
Feb. 23, 2017 scumins@bellsouth.net
ENCOUNTERS: FRIEND OR FOE? An exhibition by Tropical Botanic Artists
March 10 – May 15, 2017 at Biscayne National Park. Open 9 am – 5 pm daily. Free.
9700 SW 328th Street, Homestead, FL 33033
Miami, FL. -- The interdependence of plants, animals, and insects in Biscayne National Park’s terrestrial and aquatic environments is a subject that warrants close scrutiny. To highlight the complex natural relationships that occur in the Park’s four distinct ecosystems, members of the Miami-based Tropical Botanic Artists collective used a variety of media and artistic approaches to create the exhibition ENCOUNTERS: FRIEND OR FOE? Developed at the request of Biscayne National Park Ranger Gary Bremen, the original artworks and informative labels illustrate interactions among Biscayne National Park’s abundant plants, animals, and insects.
ENCOUNTERS: FRIEND OR FOE? is on view at Biscayne National Park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center in Homestead Friday, March 10 through Monday, May 15, 2017. The exhibition and the park are free and open to the public daily.
The Park’s ecosystems support hundreds of species, many found nowhere else in the United States. The encounters that are illustrated range from mollusks and marine animals grazing on underwater plants, to mangrove-nesting birds catching native fish to feed their chicks, to butterflies and other insects pollinating or laying eggs on the Park’s wide range of vegetation.
ENCOUNTERS: FRIEND OR FOE? marks two significant milestones: the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016 and the 50th anniversary of Biscayne National Park in 2018. “Members of the Tropical Botanic Artists are honored to participate in these celebrations by highlighting many aspects—some relatively hidden--of the fascinating terrestrial and aquatic life that flourishes in this natural paradise,” said Elsa Nadal and Beverly Borland, co-chairs of Tropical Botanic Artists.
Biscayne National Park will host a series of events related to the exhibition. They include a reception, artists’ talk, and botanical art demonstrations.
Friday, March 10: Exhibition opens to the public 9:30 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Saturday, March 11: Reception, artists’ talk and demonstration, 5–7 p.m.
The exhibition, scheduled to travel to several Florida venues in the next two years, was sponsored in part by the Florida Keys Council of the Arts; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs; Florida Council on Arts and Culture; and private donations.
ABOUT TROPICAL BOTANIC ARTISTS
Artists with works in the exhibition are Margie Bauer, Beverly Borland, Kristi Bettendorf, Silvia Bota, Marie Chaney, Susan Cumins, Jeanie Duck, Bobbi Garber, Julio J. Figueroa, Pauline Goldsmith, Leo Hernandez, Carol Ann Lane, Elsa Nadal, Carol Onstad, Laurie Richardson, Donna Torres, and Jedda Wong. All are longtime residents of Miami-Dade County.
The Tropical Botanic Artists collective was established in Miami, Florida, in 2006 to highlight the beauty of tropical plants through art. Its members come from all walks of life and each brings a unique viewpoint to his or her work. They share a love of the natural world and that fascination is reflected in their art. They invite viewers to observe and enjoy the wonders of nature and bring that enjoyment into everyday life. www.tropicalbotanicartists.com