FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Environmental Learning Center Presents “Reflections: Past, Present, and Future,” Featuring Artists of Palm House Gallery & Studio

VERO BEACH, FL – The Environmental Learning Center (ELC) is pleased to announce Reflections: Past, Present, and Future, an art exhibition featuring the work of 16 artists from Palm House Gallery & Studio. On view from November 3 through December 30, 2026, the exhibition invites visitors to explore the connection between art and the natural world, reflecting on how our surroundings inspire creativity and shape the way we see the world

Through a collection of diverse artistic perspectives, Reflections: Past, Present, and Future celebrates the beauty of nature and the many ways artists interpret their environment, encouraging visitors to pause, look closer, and discover new perspectives on the world around them.

The exhibition will be hosted at the Environmental Learning Center, a nonprofit nature center dedicated to connecting people with the natural world through environmental education, immersive experiences, and community programming. By bringing art into this unique setting, the ELC continues to create opportunities for visitors to engage with creativity, nature, and the community in meaningful ways.

Celebrating the Artists –
The exhibition showcases the work of artists from Palm House Gallery & Studio, highlighting a range of creative approaches and interpretations of the theme. Participating artists include Ambrus Diossy, Hank Feeley, Gerry Geary, Dede Gilbert, Xaque Gruber, Rick Kelly, Madeline Long, Suzy Mellott, Lee Moore, Leslie McGuirk, Liz Mayo, Sean Sexton, Barbara Tiffany, Emily Tremml, Janet Tribus, and Anneli Zecko.

Three Special Events –
In conjunction with the exhibition, the ELC will host three special free events offering opportunities for the community to experience the artwork and connect with the creative minds behind it.

Artist Meet & Greet – November 11, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Visitors will have the opportunity to meet participating artists, learn about their work, and hear more about the inspiration behind the exhibition. Live Music and Refreshments will be provided.

Artist Talks & Demonstration – November 21, 2026, from 10:00 AM-6:00 PM 

10 AM-12 PM – Leslie McGuirk “Quest for Inspiration”
A Creative Workshop with Leslie McGuirk.
What if the inspiration you’ve been searching for is already within you? Join Leslie McGuirk for a fun, interactive workshop designed to awaken your imagination, break through mental roadblocks, and help you see the world from an entirely new perspective. Drawing on decades of experience working with major corporations and creative professionals, Leslie uses surprising exercises and innovative problem-solving techniques to demonstrate how we can move beyond habitual thinking and unlock our natural creativity. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas, new solutions, or simply a spark of inspiration, you’ll leave with practical tools to think differently and discover possibilities you never imagined!

1:30-3:30 PM – Hank Feeley “Talk & Art Demonstration”
Hank Feeley, author, painter, sculptor, art historian, and teacher, will present his talk “The History of Flower Painting in 28 1/2 Minutes”. As he talks, Hank will demonstrate by painting in the style of significant historical artists. Following the talk, Hank will set up a flower still life and paint it in his own style.

4-6 PM – Artist Roundtable “Life in nature”

Holiday Arty Party – December 16, 2026, from 4:00-6:00 PM. Celebrate the season with an art-focused gathering honoring the exhibition and the creativity of the Palm House Gallery & Studio artists. Live music and refreshments will be provided.

The ELC invites residents and visitors to experience Reflections: Past, Present, and Future throughout its exhibition dates and join the associated events to celebrate the arts and the local creative community.

The exhibition will be on view November 3 through December 30, 2026, at the Environmental Learning Center, located at 255 Live Oak Drive in Vero Beach, Florida. For additional information about the ELC and its upcoming programs and events, visit https://www.discoverelc.org/.

About the Environmental Learning Center (ELC):
Founded in 1988, the Environmental Learning Center is a nonprofit nature center located along the Indian River Lagoon in Vero Beach, Florida. The ELC is dedicated to educating, inspiring, and empowering all people to be active stewards of the environment and their own well-being. Through hands-on environmental education, eco-adventures, camps, aquariums, trails, exhibits, and community programs, the ELC provides engaging experiences that connect people of all ages with the natural world.

 Contact:
Barbara Schlitt Ford

Executive Director