The Gillespie Museum is pleased to announce the opening of Uncertain Sanctuary, an exhibit focusing on Florida’s freshwater springs that blends art and science.

Uncertain Sanctuary

The exhibit features a series of bronze and kiln-cast sculptures by Central-Florida-native Judith Greavu. These sculptures capture the intricate and delicate ecology of these beautiful sanctuaries.

An informational exhibit created by the Florida Springs Council will educate visitors about the delicate ecology of Florida’s springs and the issues facing them.

In her sculptures, Greavu beautifully captures the play of light upon the crystal blue waters of Florida’s springs, hinting at their geological origins and the environmental threats that are degrading these special places.

“I grew up with these springs and have recently renewed exploring them,” she said. “The colors of the waters, the quality of underwater light and the surrounding environments all thrill me. Spring waters emerge through layers of geologic history. The corals of ancient seas and the remains of other sea creatures form the limestones through which the waters flow, and upon those limestones are the leftovers of ancient forests. Agricultural and lawn fertilizers, and pest control chemicals, leech through the limestones and pollute the water. These threats make my need to honor and celebrate the springs even stronger.”

Greavu received her MFA from Bowling Green State University and is retired from teaching at Ohio Northern University. Her academic studies and teaching career have kept her in Indiana and Ohio for many decades, but Florida remains a strong inspiration in her work.

Gallery Opening Information

The Gillespie Museum will be hosting a gallery opening from 5 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 17. Refreshments will be provided.

A Science Café presentation will take place from 6 to 7 p.m., following the gallery opening. Ryan Smart, director of the Florida Springs Council will address those in attendance about the environmental challenges facing our springs. The presentation is co-sponsored by Stetson’s Institute for Water and Environmental Resilience (IWER). 

Due to space limitations in our classroom, registration is required for the presentation. RSVP is appreciated but not required for the gallery opening.

The exhibit will be open through May 2025.

– Kristen Mattson
Director for the Gillespie Museum