The beauty of the natural world evokes many feelings in different people: awe, serenity, excitement, curiousity, sometimes even humbleness.

Contemporary artist Cheryl Bailey, whose works depict the flora and fauna of scenic landscapes, uses her work to express her love of the natural world and to advocate for the importance of environmental sustainability and biodiversity.

Bailey’s paintings are the subject of an upcoming exhibition at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre this May, entitled “Meadow Signs, Mountain Highs.”

This solo exhibition will be open from May 1 to 26 in the Joyner Gallery, where the public will have a chance to view Bailey’s work and admire the colourful vistas depicted in her art.

“Mountains and meadows become symbols of human transcendence, reflecting upon spiritual and physical possibilities,” states a media release from the arts centre on the exhibition. “Bailey’s paintings distill visual complexity into carefully choreographed simplicity, merging flattened shapes with surface textures and a powerful black underpainting.” 

Bailey, from Oakville, is an elected member of the Ontario Society of Arts and currently serves as a director on its board.

Her work has been part of exhibitions at several venues in the province, including the McMichael Canadian Collection, as part of five group exhibitions, the Lieutenant Governor’s Suite at Queen’s Park, the Art Gallery of Northumberland, the Orillia Museum of Art and History and more.

Her latest exhibition is currently taking place this month in Etobicoke at the Neilson Park Creative Centre.

Often working in the medium of acrylic on canvas, Bailey’s work showcases nature’s tapestry, from mountains, rivers, hills, valleys, forests and farmland.

“Drawing from her expertise in biology and ecosystems, she champions the integration of native plants in gardens to revitalize pollinator populations and foster biodiversity,” the media release states.

The opening reception for “Meadow Signs, Mountain Highs” will be held on Sunday, May 5 from 2 to 4 p.m., with Bailey offering remarks around 2:30 p.m. 

Refreshments and nibbles will be provided, including fine wines from Château des Charmes.

More details about this exhibition can be found at the Niagara Pumphouse Arts Centre website, niagarapumphouse.ca/exhibitions.