Georgia Natural Wonders Opening Reception
Join us for an Opening Reception on Saturday, September 5th, 2026, from at 5:00-7:00 PM at The Art Center as we celebrate artist Ann Litrel and her traveling exhibition Georgia Natural Wonders – A Journey from Marshlands to Mountains!
Georgia Natural Wonders, a watercolor journey with Ann Litrel, invites visitors to experience the remarkable beauty and diversity of our state through the eyes of a nationally published artist, writer, and naturalist. From the mist-covered peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the cascading waters of Amicalola Falls to the sweeping marshlands of Georgia’s coast, Litrel’s expressive watercolors capture not only the appearance of these treasured landscapes, but also their atmosphere, movement, and sense of place.
The exhibition grew from a years-long journey that took Litrel hiking, kayaking, sketching, and painting throughout Georgia. Her travels eventually became part of 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die, a book created with longtime science and environmental writer Charles Seabrook and published by the University of Georgia Press. Combining original paintings, field sketches, personal observations, and an abiding interest in Georgia’s ecology and natural history, Litrel encourages viewers to rediscover the extraordinary places that exist within their own home state.
Be our guest for a watercolor journey from Georgia’s mountain summits to its rivers, canyons, wetlands, and barrier islands; and discover familiar landscapes transformed by color, curiosity, and careful observation. The exhibit is on display in our Richard Low Evans Gallery September 5th-October 24, 2006. Don’t miss it!
About Artist Ann Litrel
Photo bt Jennifer Carter
“I’ve had a working studio for almost thirty years, creating fine art, commercial pieces, and commissions for private and corporate clients across the country.
My newest paintings are part of the “Georgia Natural Wonders” collection. This ambitious eight-year project has had me hiking, kayaking and painting across the state, from mountains to the coast. Subscribe to my newsletter below to follow the launch of the prints, book talks, and upcoming shows of the original paintings from the book.
Painting landscapes and nature close to home is my passion!”
About the Book
“The expression “Natural Wonders” conjures images of far-flung destinations like the Grand Canyon, the peaks of the Rockies, or Niagara Falls.
Yet Georgia, the largest state east of the Mississippi, is home to a wealth of wonders that rival any found beyond its borders. Such wonders include the Altamaha River, Georgia’s own untamed Amazon; Providence Canyon, the “little Grand Canyon;” Brasstown Bald, Georgia’s highest peak and only cloud forest; and the vast, hauntingly beautiful Okefenokee Swamp.
Based on noted science journalist Charles Seabrook’s personal bucket list and artist Ann Litrel’s insightful watercolors and drawings, 35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die offers a fresh take on Georgia’s natural beauty in the tradition of naturalists such as John James Audubon and William Bartram. Each of the 35 sites is introduced by paintings, field sketches, artist notes, and elegantl science writing that highlight its unique attributes. The book captures the beauty and rich natural history of Georgia’s biological and geological treasures—inspiring leisure travelers, nature enthusiasts, and art lovers to explore these places on their own.”
The book will be available for purchase at The Art Center throughout the exhibition duration.
