Community Foundation showcases new art exhibit

New exhibit features paintings inspired by artist Judi Ekholm’s national park visits

FORT MYERS, Fla. (April 13, 2017) – The Southwest Florida Community Foundation recently hosted a reception to kick off the launch a new art display at its Community Hub.

“Fresh Aire” features an adventure in color through the paintings inspired by artist Judi Ekholm’s road journey through 11 national parks and 21 states.

Ekholm focuses on different vantage points, and her technique is similar to the Old Masters with many layers of fine paint and glazing. Her images of landscapes and gardens are both romantic and bold. She creates all sizes and scales of paintings, and each one makes its own original and unique statement. Her impressionistic paintings can be found in more than 700 international collections.

The artist is originally from near Louisville, Ky. She received a master’s degree from Indiana University and has studied with Bill Bailey and James McGarrell. She is a master gardener, and her oil paintings exhibit her knowledge and love of the land.

The new exhibit is open to the public and will run through May during regular Community Foundation business hours: Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Some paintings are located in meeting rooms, so those interested in seeing the exhibit are asked to call before arriving to make sure all areas are accessible. The Community Hub is located at 8771 College Parkway, Building 2, Suite 201 in Fort Myers.

The Southwest Florida Community Foundation, founded in 1976, cultivates regional change for the common good through collective leadership, social innovation and philanthropy to address the evolving community needs in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Hendry and Glades counties. It partners with individuals, families and corporations who have created more than 400 philanthropic funds. Thanks to them, the Foundation invested $5 million in grants and programs to the community last year. With assets of $93 million, it has provided more than $67 million in grants and scholarships to the communities it serves since inception. The Community Foundation is the backbone organization for the regional FutureMakers Coalition and Lee County’s Sustainability Plan. Based in Fort Myers, it has satellite offices located in Sanibel Island, LaBelle (Hendry County) and downtown Fort Myers.

For more information, call 239-274-5900 or visit www.floridacommunity.com.