Released October 18, 2019

Art exhibition inspired by Gene Stratton-Porter to open at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site

ROME CITY, Indiana (Oct. 18, 2019) – Experience the beauty of Indiana nature through watercolor creations soon to be on display at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site.

The exhibition titled “The Artist-Naturalist” will open at the site on Oct. 23, and it includes 15 watercolor paintings by Alex Warnick, a natural history artist based in Columbus, Indiana.

As a child, Warnick remembers taking turns reading chapters aloud on family road trips from the books of Indiana naturalist and photographer Gene Stratton-Porter. These childhood experiences inspired “The Artist-Naturalist,” with each piece based on excerpts from Gene’s books and Warnick’s own travels through the Limberlost Swamp.

Warnick hopes to continue Gene’s work by sharing a love of nature with others through creative expression and watercolors.

Warnick will share additional insights into her inspiration from Gene’s novels and tell about her own travels in the Limberlost Swamp during an opening reception from 2 to 4 p.m. on Oct. 27 at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site.

During that reception, Warnick will highlight the kinship she feels with Gene, as they’re both Indiana natives and female naturalists who use the arts to celebrate the landscape and bring attention to the environment.

The opening reception is free to attend and open to the public.

“The Artist-Naturalist” exhibition will be on display at Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site through Dec. 1.

This exhibition is supported by the Indiana Arts Commission.

For images of Warnick’s work, go here: http://bit.ly/2qnaws5

# # #

Gene Stratton-Porter State Historic Site is part of the Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites. The Indiana State Museum and Historic Sites is located in White River State Park in the heart of downtown Indianapolis. It is Indiana’s museum for science, art and culture, offering a place where you can celebrate, investigate, remember, learn and take pride in Indiana’s story in the context of the broader world. Even the building is a showcase of the best Indiana has to offer in architecture, materials and sculpture. Easy and convenient parking is available in the attached underground garage.