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Retired nurse focuses on wonders of nature in first solo art exhibit [photos]

Local artist Rena Malone has completed 78 oil paintings for an exhibition, "Four Seasons at Reflection Riding," opening Friday at Exum Gallery in St. Paul's Episcopal Church."Turtle Rock"
Local artist Rena Malone has completed 78 oil paintings for an exhibition, "Four Seasons at Reflection Riding," opening Friday at Exum Gallery in St. Paul's Episcopal Church."Turtle Rock"

By Yolanda Putman 2 min read

This is her first solo art show, and it’s possible Rena Malone has overprepared.

For “Four Seasons at Reflection Riding,” opening Friday in Exum Gallery at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, Malone has completed 78 oil paintings.

That’s about three times the works included in most shows at the gallery, says curator Curt Hodge.

Malone painted them over the past two years while visiting Reflection Riding Arboretum and Nature Center, a 317-acre sanctuary along the western slope of Lookout Mountain.

“I experience such joy, peace and tranquility when I am immersed in the beautiful landscapes and wildlife that abound throughout the Riding, and I hope my paintings reveal that serenity to the viewers,” she says in her artist statement.