Anita "Katie" Plucker exhibit opening

Event Summary

Kayaking helps artist Anita “Katie” Plucker get close to nature.

“It gives me a chance to get really close up,” she said. “I can see things in my kayak a lot better than I can from a regular boat or from the shoreline.”

You can see how inspired Plucker is by nature in her watercolor exhibit through March at the Dickinson County Nature Center in Okoboji.

“Nature really is my inspiration. A lot of my work is titled from my kayaking, and then I expand on that,” she said. “I love the patterns that are created on the surface of the water.”

Plucker will talk about her exhibit at the gallery opening 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 15, at the nature center. There will be refreshments and she will introduce herself, chat about her inspirations and take input from the audience.

“I would be anxious to have questions come from the public about what they’re curious about,” she said.

One of the most common questions she receives is about how long it takes for her to create a watercolor painting. She said the answer varies. Some abstract pieces come together quickly, but some detailed paintings take more time.

“A lot of time I kiddingly say it’s taken me 64 years, and basically what I’m saying is everything in my live has led up to today,” Plucker said.

Plucker is the first artist to exhibit in a new nature series that will rotate quarterly at the Dickinson County Nature Center.

“I love the nature center,” Plucker said. “It’s just a wonderful institution and organization. I think the nature center is a perfect setting for these pieces.”

Glenda Drennen will showcase her work April-June, Dan Ruf July-September and an artist to be determined will close out the year.

“We are introducing a new series in 2015 called “Art in Nature,” said Karess Knudtson, environmental education coordinator. “This exhibit with Katie is just the beginning of many new events at the nature center. Throughout all of the seasons, the sights, the sounds and the smells of nature draw us outside. We want to be part of it and often are inspired by the beauty. Connecting with nature is our mission here at the nature center, and we want to help people of all ages develop an appreciation for both art and nature as well as encourage them to get outside. This series uses art as a bridge to foster that appreciation for nature.”

In addition to her gallery exhibit, Plucker will also be teaching classes March 25 and Aug. 12-14 at the nature center. Call 712-336-6352 or visit www.dickinsoncountynaturecenter.com for more information on classes and how to register.

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