Artists have always played a crucial role in increasing awareness and inspiring stewardship of National Parks. Opened in 2002, the Dante Fascell Visitor Center Gallery provides a space where contemporary artists, inspired by the beauty of Biscayne National Park and South Florida, can show their work. Past shows have included color and black-and-white photography, oil, acrylic, pastel and watercolor paintings, drawings, collage and sculpture. Shows typically open with a "Meet the Artist" reception, made possible by our sponsors.

The gallery is open from 9:00 to 5:00 every day.

Our Current Show

Inspired: Countless Sources of Beauty, One Spectacular Park

Colored Pencil Drawings by Scott Kraynak
June 12 — September 7, 2009

Meet the Artist Reception
Sunday, June 14 — 1 - 3 p.m.

Artist and National Park Ranger Scott Kraynak will open a solo exhibition of his work at Biscayne National Park’s Dante Fascell Visitor Center Gallery on Friday, June 12, 2009. Inspired: Countless Sources of Beauty, One Spectacular Park features colored pencil drawings by Kraynak, inspired not only by the park’s resources, but also by a variety of artistic movements. A “Meet the Artist” reception, with refreshments and a silent auction, will be held on Sunday afternoon, June 14, from 1-3 p.m. The show will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. from June 12 through September 7. Both the show and the reception are free and open to the public. The Dante Fascell Visitor Center is located at 9700 SW 328 Street, 9 miles east of Homestead, Florida.

Kraynak’s pieces echo a wide variety of emotions: his awe of wildlife; the quietude of a stilt house; the poignancy of the fragility of nature and history. The pieces also mirror Kraynak’s takes on the works of other artists, from impressionists to cubists to mannerists. Above all, though, Kraynak’s drawings mirror his love of nature. “While I hope that everyone that views my work can see the joy (or anger, depending on the piece) that I felt while creating it, ultimately, the purpose of this artwork is to inspire people to get out and immerse themselves in nature and to appreciate this treasure that we take for granted all too often,” says Kraynak.

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Kraynak says that nature and art have always been a big part of his life. “Fortunately, I had parents who fostered both of these interests by taking me camping, fishing, hiking, and canoeing while I was growing up, and enrolling me into art classes at the Cleveland Museum of Art.” A former Biscayne National Park Ranger, Kraynak has worked at Grand Canyon National Park for the past several years. Inspired is his first solo exhibition.

Inspired is part of the park’s Community Artists program, started in 1997 as an outlet for the works of both established and emerging artists who are inspired by the beauty of Biscayne National Park. The program is made possible by the South Florida National Parks Trust through the generosity of Miami-Dade County’s Cultural Affairs Division, The First National Bank of South Florida and Sedano’s Supermarkets.