BEDFORD – "Art in Nature" covered the gallery walls of Sullivan Framing & Fine Art at the opening reception of the exhibit "Celebrating 25 Years of Land Conservation Through the Eye of an Artist" sponsored by the Bedford Land Trust and Sullivan Framing at the Bedford gallery’s Oct. 6 event. Eleven local artists created a collection of 42 works of art especially for the exhibit that celebrates the trust’s 25 years of land conservation. Featured artists for the exhibit are: Marcia Blakeman, Dana Boucher, Bill Earnshaw, Randy Knowles, Sandra Kavanaugh, Judy McLean, Darlene Robyn, Dawn Sanel, Josee Severino, Amy Sullivan and Cheryl Vratsenes.

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of cash awards, donated by a patron of the Bedford Land Trust, for best in show artworks depicting an artist’s vision of the trust’s 14 conserved properties. Receiving the first place $500 award was Marcia Blakeman for "Benedictine Sentinels" (Benedictine Park). The second place award of $250 went to Dawn Sanel for "On the Rocks" (Pulpit Rock Conservation Area). Randy Knowles received the third place award of $100 for "Path to Preserve (Van Loan Preserve). Honorable Mention was awarded to Josee Severino for "My Turn" (Joppa Hill Conservation Land). Judges for the event were: Patrick McCay, artist, educator and chairperson of Fine Arts at the New Hampshire Institute of Art; and Rita Carroll and Jeanene Procopis, co-chairs of the Bedford Land Trust.

According to Sullivan Framing owner, Amy Sullivan, 10 percent of the exhibit’s sales will be donated to the Bedford Land Trust, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. The exhibit will continue through Nov. 26 at the gallery, located at 15 N. Amherst Road in Bedford. For gallery hours, visit www.sullivanframing.com or call 471-1888. For more information, visit www.bedfordlandtrust.org.

– Submitted by Bedford Land Trust