Miami artists sow the seeds of botanical love at MIA

Thirteen Miami-area artists hope to sow seeds of love for the minute details of plants into the hearts and minds of Miami International Airport visitors with Pollinators, a newly installed art exhibition at MIA’s Concourse E pre-security area on the arrivals level near Door 11.

The watercolor and mixed media works in the exhibition focus on plants from South Florida and their animal and insect pollinators, exploring the variety and variability of creatures that pollinate the region’s abundant and unique plant life. 

Focusing on these complex natural relationships, members of the Tropical Botanic Artists Collective illustrated birds, butterflies, moths, bees, wasps - even aquatic zooplankton - with the plants they pollinate. Artists featured in this exhibition are Margie Bauer, Kristi Bettendorf, Beverly Borland, Silvia Bota, Marie Chaney, Susan Cumins, Jeanie Daniel Duck, Pauline Goldsmith, Diana Heitzman, Leo Hernandez, Elsa Nadal, Donna Torres, and Jedda Wong. The artists created Pollinators in collaboration with Biscayne National Park in Florida.

“I am thrilled to see this impressive and important exhibition on display at MIA, for our visitors and residents to appreciate and enjoy,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. “Miami-Dade County’s ecosystem and plant life are unique in the world, and exhibitions like Pollinators help to raise awareness that we must protect these beautiful natural assets.”

A growing topic of interest worldwide, pollinators and their host plants are essential for biodiversity and healthy ecosystems. The vital role of pollinators is familiar to farmers and home gardeners alike. The connection between plants and their pollinators is critical to South Florida's remaining uncultivated areas, such as pine rocklands, hardwood hammocks, glades, and coastal mangroves. These co-dependent relationships, though not always obvious, can be powerful. Without one, the other will not survive. 

“We are proud to continue hosting and supporting local artists like the Tropical Botanical Artists Collective, who are sharing the natural beauty of South Florida plant life with our passengers while raising awareness about its importance as well,” said Ralph Cutié, MIA Director and CEO.

The Tropical Botanic Artists Collective was established in Miami, Florida in 2006 to pursue the beauty of tropical plants through art. Its members come from all walks of life, and each brings a unique viewpoint to their work. They share the love of the natural world, which is reflected in their admiration for botanical subjects. They hope that their viewers will take a moment to observe the wonders of minute detail in plants and bring these new powers of observation into everyday life.

Editor's Note: Hi-res photo downloads