“Florida Now”
Collaborators Blair Petersen Updike and Nathan Leemis
October 23 – November 28, 2026
Wild Florida Is Still Here.
Wild Florida is not a fading memory. Along the St. Johns River, vast expanses of unspoiled wilderness remain—landscapes of extraordinary beauty, quiet majesty, and enduring spirit.
Through their traditional oil paintings, Blair Petersen Updike and Nathan Leemis reveal a Florida that is not lost to time, but very much alive.
Their work is both a celebration of what remains and a compelling reminder of what deserves to be protected.
Exploring the St. John’s River and oil painting along the way. The St. John’s has a rich history
as a subject for painters. They explore the Florida landscape, conservation, ecology, and history
in Traditional, Impressionistic, Tonalist and Naturalistic styles. Updike & Leemis are Halo Fellowship Recipients 2026.
Exhibition October 23rd to November 28th
Beyond the familiar Florida lies another world—one of expansive waterways, quiet marshes, ancient trees, and untamed landscapes. Blair Petersen Updike and Nathan Leemis bring this enduring wilderness to canvas, reminding us that Wild Florida is not gone. It is here, it is extraordinary, and its preservation matters.
Exhibit on Display at John Sims Studio Halo Arts Project Gallery
1639 Tenth Street
Sarasota, FL 34236
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