Gallery shows celebrate nature

Middletown — A program of art, science, music, and poetry will comprise the opening reception on Sunday, Sept. 19, from 1 to 4 p.m., for two exhibits in Orange Hall Galleries, SUNY Orange County Community College. The reception is the kick-off for a one-and-a-half month long series of programs on native plants and animals. The exhibit on view in Orange Hall Gallery is “Our Natural Heritage: Indigenous Trees: Their Beauty and Importance” and the show in the gallery loft is “Our Natural Heritage: Indigenous Animal Wildlife in this Region.” During the reception, Patricia Eisenhart will play on several of her wooden flutes, from 1 to 2:45 p.m. Then, at 2:50 p.m. a reading of original poetry will begin with eight Orange County poets participating: Mary Makofske, Donna Spector, Joel Solonche, Joan Siegel, Paul Kane, Sandra Graff, Donna Reis and Howard Horowitz. The exhibits and reception are free and open to the public. For more information call 341-4891 or email cultural@sunyorange.edu.