Liquid Muse: Paintings from the St. Johns Region was co-curated by Gainesville art historian Mallory O’Connor and DeLand writer/photographer Gary Monroe. Funding was provided in part by a grant from the Florida Humanities Council and Alachua Conservation Trust.

The ecological, historical and cultural characteristics of the St. Johns River combine to make it one of America’s most unique waterways. For over 10,000 years, people have lived, worked, traveled and dreamed on or alongside the St. Johns, and its recorded history is among the oldest in the North America. Because of the river’s cultural and historical significance, the St. Johns was officially designated an American Heritage River on July 30, 1998, one of only 14 rivers nationwide to receive this recognition. This designation provided a unique opportunity to mount an exhibition focusing on the river’s ecological, cultural and historic role in order to call attention to the need for natural resource and environmental protection, economic revitalization, and historic and cultural preservation.

The 35 paintings included in the exhibit explore the river region’s historic, cultural and ecological role, as well as celebrate the beauty and charm of the watershed area. Because so much of the St. Johns River valley is undergoing intense development, it is essential to educate the public about the economic and other benefits of preserving this historically significant area and its resources. Documenting the many beautiful and fascinating images of the river region will make people aware of the reasons why this rich and historic region should be preserved so that it can continue to inspire and enchant Floridians in the years to come.