PUXICO, Mo.- Watercolor and pastel artist Michelle Spencer will exhibit a selection of her paintings in an exhibit titled "The Four Seasons of Mingo" beginning April 7 through May 8, 2018 at the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center. Mingo will host an art opening and opportunity to meet the artist Saturday, April 7 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Refreshments will be provided courtesy of the Mingo Swamp Friends.
Spencer has strong ties to nature and Mingo National Wildlife Refuge has become one of her favorite subjects for her art. "I was fortunate to have my childhood years surrounded with creativity in many art forms. Often it involved going outdoors, discovering and harvesting items to create with, it was wonderful and filled with adventures. I love Missouri's landscape and all that it has to offer. My passion became clear and I wanted to pursue art relating to these landscapes."
"My first trip to Mingo National Wildlife Refuge was in March of 2013. I was fascinated with the landscape and wildlife here. With friends having property bordering Mingo, it has given me many opportunities to visit in every season. Each time, I fall in love with yet another area. It is a pure delight to sit still, drinking in the sounds of nature. My paintings are meant to reflect the ever-changing light and color I see. I am astonished with this beautiful land called Mingo and I can hardly wait until I visit again."
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is located one mile north of Puxico, Mo. on State Highway 51. For more information, contact 573-222-3589 or email the refuge at mingo@fws.gov. Check our website, fws.gov/refuge/mingo, for refuge updates. Like us on Facebook - search for Mingo National Wildlife Refuge or go to facebook.com/MingoNWR.