ArtServe Celebrates the Opening of “WILD: Invasive Species of South Florida”
ArtServe welcomed guests to the opening night of its new environmental art exhibition, “WILD: Invasive Species of South Florida,” earlier this month. The free public reception featured a special screening of the PBS documentary, “Battleground Everglades – War on Invasive Species,” setting the stage for the multi-media exhibit, which runs through June 20.
Supported by grants from the Broward Cultural Division and Funding Arts Broward, with sponsorship from Topo Chico, WILD blends artistic expression with ecological education to explore the impact of non-native species on South Florida’s unique ecosystems.
Exhibition highlights include works by Debbie Scott-Queenin, whose photography captures the delicate balance between native and invasive species, and LuRu, a mixed-media artist who challenges viewers to reflect on their own role in nature.
Other featured artists include Alette Simmons-Jiménez, Alex Nuñez, Bruno Esposito, Diane Arrieta, Eric Beare, Feza Madenli Aktan, G.man, India Foster, Jasmin Genao, Jason Aponte, Josh Aronson, Julia Outland, Kim Heise, Maitejosune Urrechaga, Malcolm Lauredo, Russell Beans, Robert Colón, Sterling Rook, VanShun Brown, Venessa Monokian and Veronica Cabrera.
The evening also included a reading by Coconut Creek Poet Laureate Laura McDermott Matheric, who shared her original poem titled “Invasive.” Dr. Matthew Hoch, a professor of environmental sciences at Nova Southeastern University with a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolution, also spoke during the event.
ArtServe is located at 1350 East Sunrise Boulevard in Fort Lauderdale and is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 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 [email protected].
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.
Samantha Van Nuys
Vice President
O: 954.776.1999 ext. 115 |C: 954.648.9132
6451 North Federal Highway, Suite 1200 |Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33308
