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Colors of Nature, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

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Colors of Nature, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge

Submitted by Betty Salter

Submitted by
The richness and beauty of the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge can be viewed in a new series of paintings presented by the Central Florida Plein Air Artists (CFPAA). The upcoming exhibition, “Colors of Nature, Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge”, showcases works in oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels, painted on site within the refuge. The show will be held March 12 to April 29, 2005 at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Information Center, State Rd. 402 (5 miles east of US 1) in Titusville, Florida. Exhibit hours are Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., weekends 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Visitor Center is closed on Sundays in April) A reception will be held on Saturday, March 12, 2005, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The artists will be giving outdoor (plein air) painting demonstrations. Refreshments will be served. Everyone is welcome.

For three months, members of Central Florida Plein Air Artists have been recording the wonders of the refuge. The artists have interacted with the environment in all weather conditions to capture the constantly changing light and shadows, colors, cloud formations, birds and wildlife, vistas and waterways. From sunrise to sunset the public has had an opportunity to view the artists at work. Now these paintings will be on display at the Visitors Center.

CFPAA is dedicated to presenting and recording, through their paintings, Florida’s fast disappearing natural environment. The artists meet at least once a week to paint in various locations throughout Central Florida. The artists also join other plein air painters in Florida and across the nation whenever possible. Artists are welcome to join in these paintouts.

For information please contact Merritt Island NWR Refuge Ranger, Nancy Corona, at 321-861-0668 or by email: Nancy_Corona@fws.gov Painting sites can be accessed through pleinairflorida.org.