ART RECEPTIONS AND EXHIBITIONS

Art Gallery Receptions at Rookery Bay | National Estuarine Research Reserve

Intersection of Art & the Environment

The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center Art Gallery hosts several exhibitions each year including a partnership with the United Arts Collier (UAC). UAC enables annual exhibitions of painting and photography juried by local art experts while other shows feature works by local students, Reserve friends & family, or featured artists. Most of the works are available for purchase.

  • The Reserve and UAC work together to promote the arts and the environment. While applied science is the focus of most Reserve activities, we acknowledge that there are many pathways toward greater understanding of the natural world.
  • Our Art Gallery creates an opportunity for people to increase their sense of wonder for nature by stimulating and celebrating personal expression through the visual arts.

2025 Wildlife and Wild Places in SWFL
Summer I Mixed Media Art Exhibition

Inspired by the work of Friends of Rookery Bay and their mission, students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) created original photographs and sculptures. Artists found their inspiration through different plant life, birds, reptiles, ecosystems and landscapes throughout the region. Three winners will be selected by the public and announced May 8 at the Reception.

Exhibition: April 28 to August 1
Opening Reception:
Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

Wildlife and Wild Places

2025 Summer II ``Through the Lens of Nature: A Celebration of Flora, Fauna and Culture.`` Collective 5 Exhibition

Friends of Rookery Bay hosts a new inspiring exhibition featuring Giampaolo Curreri, Lin Nesdale, Jody Futteman, Peggy Keigley and Lisett Lloren with the Collective 5, using mixed media.

Exhibition: August 4 to October 31
Reception: Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 5:30pm – 7:00pm (REGISTRATION REQUIRED)

DETAILS

Even more fun at Rookery Bay!

A visit to Rookery Bay has so much fun in store for Kids & Families. Visit our Environmental Learning Center, Explore Rookery Bay with Nature Tours by Boat & Kayak, or take in a lecture.

Art Reception Dates

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2025 Natural Selections:
Photography Annual Reception
Thursday, February 6, 2025 from 5:30p.m. – 7:00p.m. at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

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2025 Summer I Art Reception: Thursday, May 8, 2025 from 5:30p.m. – 7:00p.m. at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

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2025 Summer II Collective 5 Art Reception: Thursday, August 7, 2025 from 5:30p.m. – 7:00p.m. at Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center

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