Exhibit opens April 26 to spotlight the impact of non-native species on local ecosystems
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听is proud to announce the opening of 鈥淲ILD: Invasive Species of South Florida,鈥� an environmental art exhibition running from April 26 through June 20, 2025. Generously supported through grants from the Broward Cultural Division and Funding Arts Broward, with additional sponsorship from Topo Chico, the multi-media exhibit blends creative expression with ecological education to explore the complex impact of invasive species on South Florida鈥檚 delicate ecosystems.
A free, public opening reception will be held on听Friday, May 9, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.听at ArtServe. As part of the evening鈥檚 events, a special screening of the PBS documentary听听will be presented, offering deeper context on the exhibit鈥檚 themes. To RSVP for the reception, visit ArtServe’s event page.
To RSVP for the opening reception, visit听.
Nature鈥檚 Masterpiece at Risk
Florida boasts some of the most unique and breathtaking ecosystems in the world, from the Everglades to natural inland waterways and 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鈥檚 endemic species.
鈥淲ILD: Invasive Species of South Florida鈥� 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.
鈥淎t ArtServe, we believe that art has the power to open eyes and create change,鈥� said ArtServe CEO Jason Hughes. 鈥淲ILD is about getting our community to think about how we can be part of the solution for a more sustainable future.鈥�
Among the exhibit鈥檚 featured works is听鈥淪hake it Up,鈥�听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.
鈥淔lamingo Gardens offers a glimpse into the possibility of coexistence,鈥� Scott-Queenin explains. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a balance many conservationists and wildlife managers strive for, especially in biodiverse regions like South Florida.鈥�
Also featured is LuRu, a mixed-media artist whose painting听鈥淚nvasive,鈥澨�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.
鈥淎s an avid gardener, I see iguanas as a threat,鈥� LuRu shares. 鈥淏ut I also recognize that I, too, am an invasive species. This painting explores the complexity of our presence in nature.鈥�
Mark your calendars for other exciting upcoming exhibits at ArtServe in 2025: 鈥�Walk the Runway鈥澨�(July 18 鈥� September 19) showcases the creativity of local South Florida fashion designers, with a reception on July 25. 鈥�Florida Opulence鈥澨�(October 10, 2025 鈥� January 2, 2026) is a members-only exhibition exploring the opulent history of Florida during the Gilded Age, with a reception open to the public on October 17.
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鈥檚 mission, please visit听听or email听membership@artserve.org.
About ArtServe听
Named a 鈥淭op-Rated Nonprofit鈥� 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听2025听Non-Profit Organization of the Year: The Arts听at the Community Care Plan Non-Profit Awards, hosted by 211 Broward. Each year, ArtServe programs contribute tangibly to the region鈥檚 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.
