In recognition of Earth Day, ArtServe will open an environmental art exhibit on Thursday, April 14 titled “Pa-Hay-Okee—Land of Grassy Water” dedicated to the urgency of preserving and restoring Florida’s fragile ecology and Everglades ecosystem.

With support from Funding Arts Broward, Pa-Hay-Okee kicks off on April 14 with an artist panel discussion from 6 to 7 p.m. followed by an opening reception and preview of the exhibit’s artworks from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Admission is free to both opening night events and to the exhibition itself, which runs through June 26 from Mondays through Saturdays.

Attending opening night will be Pa-Hay-Okee Guest Curator and ARTSail founder Ombretta Agró Andruff, along with many of the Pa-Hay-Okee featured artists.

The idea for Pa-Hay-Okee, a Seminole Tribe phrase meaning “grassy waters,” originated in a powerful online discussion hosted by ArtServe in 2020 with environmental activist Robert Mitchell that explored the environmental complexities of the Lake Okeechobee region and addressed how artists can actively help spur action on social and ecological, resiliency and sustainability issues impacting Florida communities.