TALLAHASSEE, FL – Secretary of State Glenda E. Hood announced today an exhibition of paintings by Fort Myers artist William North entitled “Florida Citrus & Florida Landscapes.” The exhibition, which is on display in the Governor’s Gallery, will run from May 21, 2004 through August 26, 2004.

“The Department of State is delighted to offer Florida artists the opportunity to display their works in the Governor’s Office,” said Secretary Hood. “Our state leaders will enjoy William North’s impressionistic paintings which capture Florida’s beautiful landscape as well as our state’s citrus heritage.”

Painting in the impressionist style, artist William North depicts a variety of Florida’s tropical scenes and citrus still lifes in this series of oil paintings. “My choice in subject matter – Florida oranges, citrus groves, beaches and tropical landscapes – is intended to capture on canvas present-day Florida as I see it,” says North. “In particular, I strive to convey to the viewer the look and feel of Florida sunshine in most of my work.”

William North developed an interest in art at an early age which eventually led to an assignment as an artist correspondent for the United States Army in 1945. When his service ended, he attended the Pratt Institute where he received a BFA in 1951; he later studied at the Art Student’s League in New York City and the Lyme Academy of Fine Art in Connecticut. Throughout his life he pursued a career in business, holding executive level positions, all the while continuing to paint and show his work in galleries. In 1990 he relocated to Florida to pursue his art full time and has since received numerous awards including first place prize in the Winners Circle Competition at Edison Community College in Fort Myers. To learn more about William North, visit: www.northgallery.com

The Governor’s Gallery at the Florida Capitol is not open to the general public. Limited access is available by invitation of the Governor’s Office only. For further information, contact Sandy Shaughnessy at the Division of Cultural Affairs at 850/245-6480 or visit: www.florida-arts.org.

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