For Immediate Release
January 19, 2004

Contact: Sandy Shaughnessy
Division of Cultural Affairs
(850) 245.6480
sshaughnessy@dos.state.fl.us

Plein Air Paintings by Linda Blondheim on Display in the Cabinet Meeting Room

Tallahassee, FLORIDA –  

Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood announced today an exhibition of paintings entitled, Plein Air Spaces by Gainesville artist Linda Blondheim. The exhibition will be on display through April 8, 2004 in the Cabinet Meeting Room of the Florida State Capitol Building.

"The Department of State is pleased to offer Florida's citizens, visitors, and political leaders the opportunity to view the works of Florida's most talented artists," said Secretary Hood.

Through her series of Plein Air paintings, Linda Blondheim attempts to preserve some of Florida's quiet and special places on canvas. Aware of Florida's vanishing natural habitat, she strives to record the southern landscape before it becomes extinct. The term Plein Air, French for "Out In the Open Air" was coined by the original French Impressionists, to refer to painting on location. Plein Air artists work quickly to capture the atmosphere of the moment and, as a result, paintings are not highly rendered. In this tradition, Blondheim's brushstrokes have a loose and flowing style.

For Linda Blondheim, painting has been a lifelong exploration, which began at age eight. For the past few years, she has focused on the southern landscape. She holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the University of South Florida and is a fulltime practicing artist.

This exhibition is part of the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs' Capitol Complex Exhibition Program. The Cabinet Meeting Room is located on the Lower Level of the Capitol. Hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a tour guide only. Visitors should call in advance for available tour times at 850/488-6167.