2023 Big Read Miami Kick-Off: “Thank You Azalea, Seagrape Tree, and Sabal Palm” An exhibit of Florida nature paintings by Penny Thurer

Join us for this year’s Big Read Miami kick-off with “Thank You Azalea, Seagrape Tree, and Sabal Palm,” an exhibit of Florida nature paintings by Penny Thurer

After a multi-decade career in cultural programs management, Penny Thurer, now 81, retired and returned to her first love: painting. She uses the mediums of pastels and acrylics to reflect the vibrancy of Florida’s natural environment. Her paintings of gardens are impressionistic masterworks and highlight the importance of stopping to connect with nature, to see deeply and attentively. Her paintings capture and encapsulate the wonder which can be found in everyday landscapes and green spaces, if we only stop and focus our attention.

Free copies of Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude by Ross Gay will be distributed as part of the opening day activities.

In partnership with Books & Books Gallery and Gables Gallery Night.

Penny Thurer uses the mediums of pastels and acrylics to reflect the vibrancy of our Florida environment. The tropical light enhances colors, creates movement and energy which intensifies the palette an artist can use to capture The complexities of the natural beauty surrounding us.

Penny earned a Masters of Fine Arts from Columbia University Teachers College, New York City and a Bachelor of Arts from Simmons College, Boston. She also studied at the Art Students League. While in New York, she held art and photo editing positions at publishing companies Crowell-Collier McMillan and Harcourt Brace Jovanovich.

Since moving to Miami in 1972, Penny has worked for several cultural and civic organizations including Miami City Ballet, and the Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center, where she was the cultural and fine arts director, and as author Liaison at Miami Book Fair. She is currently on the Board of Directors of the Adrienne Arsht Center for the Performing Arts of Miami Dade County.

Since retiring, Penny has returned to her first love, painting. She has found pastels and acrylics to be mediums that best reflect the vibrancy of Florida, this Tropical paradise we call home.

Her work is in private and corporate collections and was represented by The Barbara Green Gallery.