Artists have always played a crucial role in increasing awareness and inspiring stewardship of national parks. Opened in 2002, the Dante Fascell Visitor Center gallery provides a space where contemporary artists, inspired by the beauty of Biscayne National Park and South Florida, can show their work. Past shows have included color and black and white photography, oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor paintings, drawings, fiber, ceramics, collage and sculpture. Shows typically include a “meet the artist” reception, made possible by sponsors. The gallery is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. For more information, please call 305-230-1144.
Biscayne Beautiful Exhibit
Acclaimed Miami artist Jacqueline Roch joins the celebration of Biscayne National Park’s 50th Anniversary with her new show Biscayne Beautiful. It features new work that highlights the park’s water, shorelines and history. The show is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through July 15, 2018, in the Dante Fascell Visitor Center Gallery.
Born in Los Angeles and raised in Miami Beach, Jacqueline Roch is an artist whose work is best described as “tropical realism.” Her work is highly distinctive with bold color choices and contrasts. Layering pastels to create complex colors, she achieves a quality reminiscent of an oil painting. Influenced by her love of nature and the tropics, Jacqueline’s work is meant to inspire people to “stop for a minute, slow down and see the good and beautiful in every day.” Her work won awards all over Florida, from Best in Show to commissioned posters.
Biscayne Beautiful is part of the Community Artists Program, started in 1997 as an outlet for artists inspired by the beauty of the park. The program is made possible by the South Florida National Parks Trust, and the 2018 shows celebrating the park’s 50th Anniversary Year are made possible by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation through the Knight Arts Challenge, The Guerra Family Foundation, and the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs.