ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER | UPCOMING ART & SPEAKER EVENTS

By Environmental Learning Center

11/10/2026

Upcoming Art & Speaker Events at the Environmental Learning Center!

The Reflections: Past, Present, and Future exhibition will be featured in the Environmental Learning Center’s Lagoon Gallery and Tidal Gallery throughout November and December.

All artwork is available for purchase, with 30% of all proceeds benefiting the ELC.

UPCOMING FREE ART EVENTS:

🌟Artist Meet & Greet | November 11 | 4–6 PM - RSVP Here

Join us for an evening celebrating the artists behind Reflections: Past, Present, and Future! Meet the featured artists, learn about the inspiration behind their work, and enjoy an evening of live music, refreshments, and beautiful artwork.

Artist Talks | November 21 - RSVP Here

10:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Leslie McGuirk: Quest for Inspiration - Join Leslie McGuirk for an interactive creative workshop designed to awaken your imagination, break through mental roadblocks, and help you see the world from a new perspective. Discover practical tools to think differently and unlock your natural creativity.
1:30 – 3:30 PM | Hank Feeley: The History of Flower Painting in 28½ Minutes - Enjoy an engaging talk and live art demonstration with Hank Feeley, author, painter, sculptor, art historian, and teacher. Explore the history of flower painting as Hank demonstrates the styles of significant historical artists before creating his own floral still-life painting.
4:00 – 6:00 PM | Artist Roundtable: Life in Nature - Wrap up the day with a conversation featuring artists from the exhibition as they share perspectives, experiences, and inspiration surrounding the connection between art and the natural world.

Holiday Arty Party | December 16 | 4-6 PM - RSVP Here

Join us for a festive evening exploring Reflections: Past, Present, and Future, meeting the featured artists, and shopping unique works of art and nature-inspired gifts at Nature Nook. Enjoy live music, refreshments, and a chance to find something special for everyone on your holiday list while celebrating the season with our community.

Artist Talk | December 27 | 2 PM - RSVP Here

Join us for an engaging artist book talk with Suzy Mellott of Palm House Gallery celebrating "Alphabet Zoo", a delightful children's book featuring whimsical animal illustrations, charming poems, and fun facts for every letter of the alphabet. Discover the inspiration behind the book and the creativity that brings each animal to life!

Our Currents & Connections speaker series brings together fascinating presentations, stories, and conversations exploring the wildlife, history, and environmental treasures of our region.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

The Secret Life of a Place | November 21 | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM - RSVP Here

Join writer and longtime writing instructor Darryl J. Benjamin for an invitation to slow down and experience the Indian River Lagoon in a different way. Explore the art of noticing through stories, readings, and a hands-on observation exercise overlooking the lagoon. No writing experience is necessary! Free and open to the public.

A Blue Mind Boat Tour | November 22 | 10:00 AM-12:00 PM - Register Here

Join marine scientist and explorer Paola Espitia for a two-hour guided pontoon cruise through the Indian River Lagoon inspired by marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols’ concept of Blue Mind. This immersive experience blends science, mindfulness, storytelling, and nature as we explore the lagoon and its incredible wildlife.

"Melby the Manatee" | November 28 | 1:00-2:00 PM - RSVP Here

Join local children’s book author Sara Russo for a special reading of "Melby and the Warm-Water Wrong Turn", inspired by the real-life rescue of Melby, a local star. After the reading, kids get hands-on: creating manatee gratitude thank-you cards for real wildlife rescuers and a recycled-materials manatee craft inspired by Melby’s rescue. Free and open to the public.

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