Artists Draw Beauty from Nature at N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher

Come take "A Walk in the Woods" and explore colorful art at the N. C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher.

The newest installation in the Aquarium's Spadefish Gallery, entitled "A Walk in the Woods: North Carolina's Maritime Forests," showcases the artistry of the Raleigh-Durham Chapter of the Colored Pencil Society of America (CPSA). On display from now to March 1, the creative works celebrate the rich animal and plant diversity of maritime forests along our coast.

These unique ecosystems have adapted to the effects of salt spray and wind because of their proximity to the ocean. Each of North Carolina's maritime forests is slightly different from the next and provides habitat for migrating and resident wildlife and a great array of plant species.

All pieces in the show are original and while other medium, such as watercolor or pastels, can be used, these pieces are at least 75 percent colored pencil.  Fine art colored pencils offer color intensity, depth and the ability to create fine detail ideal for illustrations, representational art, nature paintings and portraits.

The Spadefish Gallery at the N.C. Aquarium at Fort Fisher showcases artists throughout the year. Artwork that coincides with the Aquarium's mission of "Inspiring Appreciation and Conservation of North Carolina's Aquatic Environment" is located on the second floor of the Marine building, near the auditorium.

The Raleigh-Durham chapter of CPSA has a mission to support artists throughout the Carolinas.  For more information, visit the Colored Pencil Society of America website atwww.CPSA.org.