OSPREY, FL (June 17, 2026) Big Waters Land Trust is excited to announce the juried selections and winners of their third annual Community Art Show. This community exhibition continues to provide a platform for artists to share their unique perspectives on Florida’s natural beauty. Artists of all ages and experience levels were invited to submit their original work showcasing the beauty of nature for jury consideration and 20 pieces were selected for inclusion in this year’s show.
The 2026 jury included artist Alicia Brown, Jamaican contemporary realist painter, renowned for her captivating work that seamlessly blends skillful technique with profound story telling; Jen Kroeger, a multi-disciplinary artist, using paint, mixed media, and textiles, she creates vibrant, uplifting abstracts that reflect her love of bold color and natural surroundings; and Christa Molinaro, the Director of Exhibitions at the Sarasota Art Museum of Ringling College of Art and Design, bringing over twenty years of experience in the museum field.
When making their selections, Jurors evaluated submissions on how well the artist showcased nature, their use of color and texture, attention to detail, and the overall composition of the piece. Artist names were omitted during the selection process. In addition to selecting which artwork would be included in the exhibit, jurors awarded a Best in Show winner and three merit award winners.
The jury-selected winners for the 2026 Community Art Show are:
- Best in Show: Spoonbill by Viktorija Bulava
- Merit Award: Edge of the Myakka Prairie by Faith Bradburn-Keller
- Merit Award: Florida Meadow by Winnie Clayton
- Merit Award: Wildflowers After Milton by Mary Louise O’Connell
The exhibit may be viewed at Big Waters Land Trust headquarters, 400 Palmetto Ave, in Osprey, Monday-Friday, 10:00 am to 3:00 pm, June 3, 2026 – August 31, 2026. For questions or to inquire about appointment availability, please call our office at 941-918-2100. Congratulations to all the artists whose work was selected for this year’s exhibit!
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects Florida’s land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
