Environmental Art Exhibition
ArtServe Presents “WILD: Invasive Species Of South Florida”

A free, public opening reception will be held on Friday, May 9th, 2025 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at ArtServe. As part of the evening’s events, a special screening of the PBS Documentary “Battleground Everglades – War on Invasive Species” will be presented, offering deeper context on the exhibit’s themes. To RSVP for the reception and the opening reception, visit ArtServe's event page.

Nature’s Masterpiece at Risk

Florida boasts some of the most unique and breathtaking ecosystems in the world, from the Everglades to natural inland waterways, picturesque beaches and all are home to an extraordinary variety of native wildlife. Unfortunately, Florida has also become a hub for keeping, selling and breeding exotic pets. When these animals escape or are released, they often thrive in the wild, wreaking havoc on native ecosystems. South Florida is now overrun with non-native snakes, frogs, lizards, monkeys, birds and more, all flourishing at the expense of the state’s endemic species.

“WILD: Invasive Species of South Florida” invites visitors to explore this pressing issue in their own backyard. The exhibition encourages us all to reflect on how these non-native species are affecting biodiversity and consider ways to help control their spread.

“At ArtServe, we believe that art has the power to open eyes and create change,” said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. “WILD is about getting our community to think about how we can be part of the solution for a more sustainable future.”

Among the exhibit’s featured works is “Shake it Up,” a striking photographic work by Debbie Scott-Queenin, inspired by a recent visit to Flamingo Gardens. Her image reflects on the complex coexistence of native and non-native species, such as peacocks, which often spark debate for their potential to disrupt ecosystems. Yet at Flamingo Gardens, Scott-Queenin observed a thoughtful effort to preserve ecological balance, and her photograph captures that delicate interplay.

“Flamingo Gardens offers a glimpse into the possibility of coexistence,” Scott-Queenin explains. “It’s a balance many conservationists and wildlife managers strive for, especially in biodiverse regions like South Florida.”

Also featured is LuRu, a mixed-media artist whose painting “Invasive,” blurs the boundary between species and self. The piece features a radiant, shaman-like figure in iguana form, surrounded by indigenous motifs and vibrant color fields.

“As an avid gardener, I see iguanas as a threat,” LuRu shares. “But I also recognize that I, too, am an invasive species. This painting explores the complexity of our presence in nature.”

Mark your calendars for other exciting upcoming exhibits at ArtServe in 2025: “Walk the Runway” from Friday, July 18th, 2025 – Friday, September 19th, 2025 showcases the creativity of local South Florida fashion designers, with a reception on Friday, July 25th, 2025. “Florida Opulence” from October 10th, 2025 – Friday, January 2nd, 2026, which is a members-only exhibition exploring the opulent history of Florida during the Gilded Age, with a reception open to the public on Friday, October 17th, 2025.

ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304 and is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Daily admission is FREE. For more information about these events, or to become a member, volunteer, or support ArtServe’s mission, please visit: www.artserve.org - Or email: membership@artserve.org.

About ArtServe

Named a “Top-Rated NonProfit” by GreatNonprofits, the leading provider of user reviews of charities and NonProfits, Fort Lauderdale-based ArtServe is an award-winning arts incubator that is advancing the arts for social good as a creative laboratory and hub for experimental artists committed to diversity, equity and inclusion. Now in its 36th year, ArtServe has won several awards for innovation in the arts and is supported in part by the Broward County Board of County Commissioners as recommended by the Broward Cultural Council and the Community Foundation of Broward. Most recently, ArtServe was named 2025 Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts at the Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards, hosted by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe programs contribute tangibly to the region’s economy, helping 2,000+ artists sell their work, build businesses and engage the community. To do that, ArtServe secures financial support through donations, sponsorships and memberships.