The Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts will hold a new gallery exhibit reception on Mon., August 5, from 5 to 7 p.m., at 527 N. Patterson Street. The Center will feature the works of Sherry Allen, “Wildlife Encounters,” Natalia Andreeva, “Vivid Visions: Capturing Life’s Beauty,” Teresa Cook, “See Jacksonville x Valdosta,” and the re-installation of the East African Artifact Permanent Collection. Admission is free and light refreshments will be served.

Sherry Allen began drawing and painting at an early age and it was her dream to pursue art as a career. After attending Palm Beach Community College, she received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from Florida State University in 1974, followed by a Master of Fine Arts from Florida State University in 1978. As an award-winning watercolor artist, she is a Signature Member of the Tallahassee Watercolor Society, Florida Watercolor Society and the Georgia Watercolor Society and a member of the Southern Watercolor Society.  

Natalia Andreeva has a profound interest and curiosity for drawing and painting. This artistic passion found strong roots with the support and inspiration generously provided by her grandfather. Since immigrating to the U.S., Andreeva holds a Signature Membership Status in the American Impressionist Society, is vice-president of Plein Air Painters of South East and past-president of the Tallahassee Watercolor Society. Her works now embody a fusion of spontaneous expressions, impressionism, and classical realism.

Teresa Cook, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, is an accomplished Abstract Architectural Watercolor artist with a passion for capturing the essence of landscapes and structures. Graduating with a BFA from the University of North Florida, she has dedicated the past decade to honing her craft. Specializing in mini watercolor abstractions on "Yupo," a smooth paper, Cook's work beautifully freezes moments in time, skillfully excluding human elements to emphasize the pure architectural and natural beauty. In addition to her thriving artistic career, Cook serves as an esteemed art instructor at local institutions in Jacksonville.

All exhibits will remain open in the galleries for the public’s enjoyment through Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024. For more information, call 229.247.2787 or visit turnercenter.org. Patrons who need special assistance may contact the Center to make those arrangements.