Artists in Bloom Exhibit at Naples Botanical Garden

For 22 local artists, the Naples Botanical Garden’s Kapnick Hall is filled with their framed exhibits inspired by nature’s abundant gifts. The Garden became their muse and they drew inspiration from the shrubs, trees, flowers, leaves, fruits, lights, and colors, and captured the essence of the landscape in their creative minds and through their brush strokes. Even in the heat of August, the Naples Botanical Garden’s natural setting invites contemplation, joy, peace, comfort, rest, and solitude.

Tara O’Neill’s Mango Season (oil on canvas) has this description: “After the blooming of feathery flowers, Florida’s iconic mango trees go on to bring us delicious edibles. With mangos especially, the fruit presents more colors than one would expect from a flower so shy.”

Miyoun Leone’s “I Got Your Back” (mixed media), described her exhibit as “This rock and the tree together tell a beautiful and inspiring story of love and resilience. A bottlebrush tree struck by lightning fell onto a nearby rock, body broken. Leaning on the rock, she grew to become one of the most beautiful bottlebrush trees.”

Monica Dix’s Moth Orchid at Dusk, is a digital drawing of a Phalaenopsis orchid (Moth orchid) at twilight. It was in black and white.

Christine Otis’ Magenta Waterlily is a photograph taken in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, and it symbolizes regeneration, choosing the black background to emphasize rebirth.

Thanks to the following exhibiting artists for sharing their inspiring compositions: Adriana Rangel-Hauser, Amanda Gorgas, Anne McLaughlin, Christine Otis, Jackie Kramer, Janet Iffland, Jessie Perez, Lee Ann Lindgren, Maggie Oland, Michelle Rocheleau (10) Miyoun Leone, Mo Anderson, Monica Dix, Peggy Applequist, Ruthe Sholler, Sharon Tolnai, Susan Riger, Tanya Trinkaus Glass, Tara O'Neill, Vicky Tesmer, Vivianna Irizarri, and William C. Boling.

Artists in Bloom is on display in Kapnick Hall through October 26th. The exhibition was organized by Naples Botanical Garden in partnership with United Arts Collier.