Gary Paul, Friends’ Moon, 2010,
digital photograph, 8" x 10"

Larry Santucci, Morningside #2, 2010,
digital photograph, 18” x 24”

The City of Gainesville Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs announces the opening of the “Morningside Nature Center: A Timeless Experience” exhibition, which is scheduled to run April 17 – June 13, 2010 in the Thomas Center Mezzanine Gallery.  A free public reception will be held Thursday, March 27 from 5 - 7 p.m. at the Thomas Center.

The exhibition celebrates the 30th anniversary of the founding of Friends of Nature Park, and features a diverse selection of over 40 works of art and artifacts that depict various aspects of Morningside Nature Center and Living History Farm. Gainesville’s nature park, Morningside Nature Center, is one of the last remaining examples of fire-dependent longleaf pine woodlands in the area. More than six miles of trails wind through sandhill, flatwoods, cypress domes, and areas where native vegetation is being restored. Morningside boasts a spectacular wildflower display and opportunity to see a diverse array of wildlife. The Living History Farm at Morningside Nature Center brings Florida cracker family living in the mid to late 1800s to life again. On Living History days (Saturdays, September to May) farm visitors can observe daily life in 1870 as costumed staff interpret bygone days through chores and activities. Annual events at the farm include the Farm and Forest Festival in the spring and Cane Boil in the fall.

Lary Korhnak, How Sweet It Is, 2009,
digital photograph, 18” x 22”