For Immediate Release
May 25, 2005

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

Paintings by Barbara Landry on Exhibit in the Governor’s Gallery

Tallahassee, FLORIDA –  

Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood announced today an exhibition of paintings by Vero Beach artist Barbara Landry. The exhibit, entitled "Florida As I See It" will be on display in the Governor's Gallery from June 1 through August 31, 2005.

"These vibrant paintings are a window into the richness of South Florida," Secretary Hood said. "Once again we are proud to host an artist with a unique and accessible perspective of our beautiful state."

Landry's background in decorative art lends itself to the creation of faux borders that frame many of her pieces. The colorful presentation of her landscapes betrays her as an outsider, revealing a depth to the landscape that Florida's longtime residents often overlook or take for granted. Perhaps it is the quality of light as it reflects from the surface of the water or the plumage of a flamingo that Landry draws our attention to in a way that makes the landscape magical and new.

Originally from New England, Barbara Landry began her foray into the world of art through antique decorating, a skill learned from her mother and aunts. Upon moving to Vero Beach in 1988 with her husband and children, Landry saw the opportunity to extend her artistic pursuits in a direction better suited to the new landscape in which she found herself. With the instructors at the Vero Beach Museum of Art as her new guides, Landry moved on into deeper artistic waters, where she delights and relates to her audience with limpid renderings.

This exhibition is part of the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs' Capitol Complex Exhibition Program. The Governor's Gallery at the Florida Capitol is not open to the general public. Limited access is available by invitation of the Governor's Office only.