Tim Glover and Donna Halleran. PHOTO BY JOSHUA KODIS

Art and nature enthusiasts flocked to the Environmental Learning Center for the artists’ reception of the ninth annual Indian River Bird and Nature Art Show, sponsored by the Pelican Island Conservation Society.

More than 40 nature-themed works by 27 artists featuring local flora and fauna, crafted in a collection of acrylics, oils, watercolors, photography, 3-dimensional art and mixed-media pieces, were on display at the ELC. The artists captured everything from blue herons to white pelicans and night-blooming cereus to beach verbena, displayed alongside otters and octopi.

The show, which kicked off the start of National Wildlife Refuge Week, was a fitting tribute to the nearby Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge. The refuge was designated by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903 as the nation’s first wildlife refuge to protect nesting birds from having their plumage harvested for hats.

Proceeds from the month-long show, judged by local artists Ginny Piech Street and Shotsi Lajoie, support the Pelican Island Conservation Society and the Environmental Learning Center, both of which promote awareness, conservation and stewardship of the environment.

Tim Glover, treasurer of Pelican Island Conservation Society, announced the winners, noting that the show helps celebrate National Wildlife Refuge Week and encouraged attendees to visit the refuge.

During the artists’ reception, George Blythe took on the persona of Jonathan Dickinson, the merchant that Jonathan Dickinson State Park was named after. Blythe regaled attendees with tales of Dickinson’s adventures during a historical presentation that was based on journals, giving a firsthand account of the indigenous people.

The Indian River Bird and Nature Art Show will be on display at the ELC through Oct. 27. It will be followed by “The Magic of Trees,” a nature-inspired art series on display through the end of the year.

For more information, visit DiscoverELC.org.

Photos by Joshua Kodis