Nature-Inspired Art Exhibit in Orlando

by Jill Duff-Hoppes

Eco-feminist artist Mira Lehr, an award-winning trailblazer, is exhibiting her recent work at The Mennello Museum of American Art in Orlando through May 10.

Her solo exhibit, titled Mira Lehr: High Water Mark, is the 85-year-old’s response to what she describes as “climate Armageddon.” Mira is one of the pioneer environmental activists of the art world, having been devoted to the cause for 50 years. Her thought-provoking, immersive show features artwork that tells the stories of our oceans and waterways and illustrates the importance of protecting and preserving them.

“The natural surroundings that we are gifted to live with on this planet are so amazingly beautiful,” says Mira, who is based in Miami. “If people appreciate its beauty and love the environment, then they will protect the earth.”

Mira’s nature-based work incorporates painting, sculpture, and video installation. She is extremely prolific with more than 300 solo and group exhibitions under her belt and more in the works.

She graduated from Vassar College in 1956 with a degree in art history and worked as an artist in New York before moving back to Florida. In 1960, Mira founded Continuum, one of the country’s first co-ops for women artists, and she has mentored many female artists over the years.

Her work is included in the collections of prestigious institutions such as the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington, D.C., and is also in many corporate and private collections. Recently, Mira enjoyed critical acclaim for a solo exhibit of her work at the Jewish Museum of Florida-FIU in Miami Beach, which included new works that were inspired by her Jewish faith.

For details about High Water Mark in Orlando, visit MennelloMuseum.org.