Special to the Citizen

The Florida Keys Community College's Library Gallery welcomes the community to its first art exhibit of 2013, featuring accomplished local artist and FKCC art instructor Annamarie Giordano. The artist's collection of pastels, encaustics, paintings, and other mixed media will be on display through Feb. 14. All works are available for purchase, with proceeds -- in part -- benefiting the FKCC Library Gallery.

Giordano began practicing drawing since her childhood in Philadelphia, where she attended the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. She completed her studies at Yale University Art Graduate School, and has taught art around the country and in the Florida Keys. She has lived here since 1989, sharing her artistic and teaching talents at venues such as The Studios of Key West, the Cape May County Art League, and FKCC.

The theme of her exhibit is "a lifetime of figures in the Florida Keys," inspired by an admiration of the human body explored in various mediums.

"My greatest reward is working with the artists of the Florida Keys and the recognition and admiration we have for each other," Giordano said.

The FKCC Library Gallery hosts local and visiting artists and writers throughout the year, as part of its ongoing efforts to provide culturally-enriching, educational experiences for FKCC students, faculty, staff, and the community. The library is open to all Monroe County residents. Donations of gently used books and DVDs are always appreciated. The library also has books available for purchase to further support special programs.

For more information, call 305-809-3194 or email library@fkcc.edu.