Commemorating nearly two decades as a Tree City USA®, Oakland is hosting a special art and history exhibit celebrating the beauty of nature and delving into the inspiration behind Oakland’s name. “Among the Oaks” explores when the town was just a sapling and how Oakland continues to care for its towering trees.
The show is being held at the Healthy West Orange Arts and Heritage Center at 126 W. Petris Ave., Oakland now through Jan. 6.
The exhibit features the works of 49 Florida artists including JR Ramoutar, Judi Bradford, Hope Barton, Melissa Gallo, Theresa Chin, Joan Lok, Joe Warren, Dave Minichiello and many more. Works in various mediums including watercolor, oil, mixed media, and photography follow the theme of trees of all shapes and sizes in fields and forests to wetlands and beaches.
An open house where attendees can meet the artists will be held during the Town of Oakland’s Santa’s Lane Community Event on Dec. 3 from 3-6 p.m. Art is available for purchase and pick-up at the conclusion of the show.
Additionally, guests will have an opportunity to vote for their favorite beautifully decorated Christmas tree as part of the “Trees of the Season” display at the Center, where community members display designed trees for a chance to win best in show.
This year’s trees are courtesy of Oakland Avenue Charter School Spirit Squad, West Orange Creamery, Healthy West Orange, Oakland Nature Preserve, Mike and Mary Ann O’Donnell, Eight Waves, Lakeview Networks, Lakeside Church, Kelly Zanini, Realtor, and the Town of Oakland. Voting ends Jan. 3.
The Center is open Wednesday through Friday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. and on select Saturdays and evenings. For more information, visit www.oaklandfl.gov/artsandheritage or
