“Out of the Woods” exhibit to open at JAG on October 8

Laura Young
ECB Publishing, Inc.

Just as the fall weather begins to beckon us all to spend more time in outdoor pursuits, the Jefferson Arts Gallery (JAG) is opening a nature-inspired exhibit on Saturday, Oct. 8. “Mark Fletcher: Out of the Woods” will show paintings, drawings and illustrated poetry about Florida's native flora and fauna.
“Every year I spend more time in our forests or the Everglades,” says Fletcher. “I hike, camp and kayak to create original on-location artwork. I experience the wonder of Nature through direct response to life with no technological filters. Careful and repeated observations reveal the full splendor of our special environment.”
The world is Fletcher's studio, and he hopes that his artwork will be another source of inspiration for people to go outside, play in the woods, appreciate the fragility of the natural world and experience its curative powers.
“What I bring out of the woods is not only sketches,” says Fletcher, “but an improved mind. Nature cures the soul and allows us to better deal with world events and their direct impact on our personal lives.”
Fletcher, a life-long full-time artist, earned a bachelor's degree in Fine Art from Florida State University and a master's degree in Fine Art from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He also spent three years in post-graduate studies in Japan and has taught art at workshops, colleges and universities. An avid sketcher – having just started his 144th 500-page sketchbook – Fletcher is a facilitator of Worldwide Sketchcrawl, an online forum that allows people from different corners of the world to join in a day of sketching and journaling with web space to share their results. He worked for nearly ten years as an artist-in-residence with national and state parks and has participated in Art for Public Places programs. His award-winning art can be seen in a variety of art museums' permanent collections.
Don't miss your chance to see the artwork Fletcher has created on location and brought “out of the woods” to you. His sometimes whimsical art and poetry offer a way to look at complex issues with a sense of humor and hope.
The exhibit opening will take place on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 12 to 4 p.m. at JAG at 575 W. Washington St. Afterwards, the exhibit can be enjoyed through Nov. 5 during regular gallery hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Viewings by appointment also can be arranged by calling (850) 997-3311. Also see the gallery's FaceBook at JeffersonartsgalleryJAG, email jeffersonartsgallery@gmail.com, or visit their website at www.jeffersonartsgallery.com.