For five hundred years, artists have been captivated by "La Florida," Named by Spanish explorer Ponce de Leon, Florida's hidden forest glades, sandy ocean hammocks, and picturesque colonial towns have inspired artists like Winslow Homer and Thomas Moran to capture the unique light, color, and atmosphere found in the state. This lavishly produced book showcases the work of thirty-eight contemporary painters, sculptors, printers, and mixed medium artists who continue this artistic tradition in northeast and central Florida. Noted art historian Kahren Jones Arbitman has chosen over 160 diverse images including the masterly prints of Barry Wilson, the serene landscapes of Louise Freshman Brown and Victor Kowal, the mixed media innovations of Jason Izumi, the lush abstracts of Que Throm and Cicero Greathouse, the intimate florals of John Bunker, the satirical portraits of Gary Bolding, and the pioneering work of Jean Wagner Troemel. Intriguing, contemplative, or challenging, these images represent the vitality and vibrancy of the visual arts in Florida today.Arts writer Susan Gallo uses commentary by each artist to create profiles that illuminate each artist's individual style. Kahren Arbitman presents newly discovered information to trace the history of the arts in northeast and central Florida to reveal today's artistic legacy.