TALLAHASSEE, FL – Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood announces an exhibition of paintings by High Springs artist P. J. Lamb entitled “North Florida Landscapes” on display in the Cabinet Meeting Room through July 9, 2004.

“The Department of State is pleased to offer Florida’s citizens, visitors, and political leaders the opportunity to view the works of Florida’s most talented artists,” said Secretary Hood.

P.J. Lamb was raised in up state New York, where the Hudson River Valley painters created some of the first paintings that inspired him. They portrayed colonial life, small farmlands and the beautiful river valleys of the region. P.J. started painting the farmhouses, landscapes and wildlife. At age 10 he would get together with friends and paint with the guidance of an art teacher.

At 23, P.J. moved to northern California and began painting the west coast seascapes and boardwalks of Santa Cruz. He had many showings at coffee houses, restaurants and small area galleries. In 1992 P.J. headed north to Seattle to attend advertising art college, where he started painting flowers with watercolors. His colors stayed bright and bold, as he went back to canvas and more shows. P.J. finally moved to North Florida, where he now paints the rivers, beaches, springs, wildlife and flowers of the area.

P.J. is the recipient of numerous awards, is represented by several galleries nationwide and is publishing a private line of greeting cards, “Sweet Lamb Greetings.” He has donated several of his works to charitable auctions.

This exhibition is part of the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs’ Capitol Complex Exhibition Program. The Cabinet Meeting Room is located on the Lower Level of the Capitol. Hours are Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a tour guide only. Visitors should call in advance for available tour times at 850/488-6167. For general information about the Capitol Complex Exhibition program, please contact Sandy Shaughnessy at the Division of Cultural Affairs at 850/245-6480 or visit www.florida-arts.org.

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