Work by artist Robyn Beth Priestly will be on view in the social hall Feb. 17 through March 17.

The artist says: “I am concerned with our personal connections to the natural world, and often find inspiration in our national, regional and local parks. We are often so isolated from nature in our busy urban lives that parks, scientific and natural areas (SNAs), recreation areas, and wilderness areas provide various ways for us to learn, revive our spirits, or just relax and experience the natural world. Parks are not only important for us as humans, but also provide vital places for endangered and threatened animals, plants and ecosystems to survive, and hopefully, thrive.

“My commitment is to create awareness about natural systems, biodiversity, and endangered native species. I’m interested in exploring these systems, and learning how they affect our native plants, birds and animals in Minnesota and throughout the country.

“The pieces are one-color linoleum block prints that are printed on paper, dried and mounted on archival boards. Then I hand-paint each print, so each one actually ends up being an original artwork, rather than a numbered edition. I do a lot of research for accuracy, take photos and make sketches before each piece is created, and I limit the number I make from each block.

“I like to think of my pieces as not only one artist’s reaction to observation and research, but also a piece of a greater whole, a chapter in a story that the viewer can also add chapters. But not all the pieces are serious, I try to create pieces that will speak to a variety of ages and interests!”

For more information, email robyn@paintedturtledesign.com or visit www.paintedturtledesign.com