The University Archives & Special Collections (UASC) of the University Library is thrilled to present their newest exhibition—Nature’s Canvas: Works of the Southwest Florida Environment. This vibrant and immersive showcase captures the beauty and history of our region, and you’re invited to experience it starting Monday, October 20.
Special Collections actively seeks to collect and preserve materials documenting the cultural and environmental history of Southwest Florida. Their commitment to delivering diverse educational programming to FGCU and the Southwest Florida community is coming to life this month in Nature’s Canvas.
Megan Crawford, our Special Collections Librarian, and Emily Murray, Archives Coordinator, drew inspiration from the Southwest Florida environment, the local art scene, and the university itself. Crawford says, “I was very inspired by the passion and commitment to nature and the arts that I see walking around campus every day. I wanted to draw attention to those noble efforts and highlight the inextricable link between the two disciplines.”
This exhibition will feature photographs, paintings, sketches, films, music and more, capturing the beauty and history of the Southwest Florida environment. Nature’s Canvas will feature an array of local artists such as Clyde Butcher, Charles Ray, Lisette Morales, Doug MacGregor, Rob Storter and Andy Owen.
Crawford wanted to make sure she was creating a well-rounded and representative experience. In addition to pulling from 10 of their own collections, UASC is borrowing archival pieces from the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum, Collier County Museums and multiple private collectors.
“Exhibitions like these allow us to highlight pieces that typically live in special collections storage,” said Crawford. “To display these connections is a real joy to me. I want this exhibition to be inviting and hopeful for the Southwest Florida community.”
Nature’s Canvas will be on display from October 20, 2025, through May 1, 2026. Visitors can explore the exhibition Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., in Room 322 on the third floor of the University Library.
The opening reception will be held on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The event is open to the public. If you would like to attend, you can RSVP here.
Please stay tuned for upcoming events and programming throughout the year that will dive even further into the themes of the exhibition.
Nature’s Canvas offers something for the nature lover, art lover and everyone in between. We hope students, faculty, staff and the greater Southwest Florida community come out and enjoy this profound and inspiring exhibition!
