NILES — Renowned Niles artist June Cary passed away April 26. To remember her work, Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve will host “A Retrospective” event. Her work will be displayed from Aug. 3 through Oct. 7. Additionally, a family reception will take place from 2 to 4 p.m.  Sunday, Aug. 5. At 3 p.m. Cy Werntz will give a talk. The reception is free and open to the public.

Cary’s art work included seascapes, beach scenes and still life portraits. She was most well known for her gardenscapes. Cary’s work was created in an impressionistic style. She loved to experiment with unusual color schemes and expressive layers of texture. The compositions are anchored by garden fixtures including fences, steps, paths, and buildings.

Cary worked from photographs she had taken from all over the world, often from public gardens such as Fernwood in Niles and Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel. She often pieced together many of her photographs to create original compositions to inspire her. She let a painting happen, working fast to maintain the spontaneity, family said. Cary had more than 51 woman shows and was included in many group shows throughout Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Florida. Her pastels were featured in an article in the June 1998 issue of American Artist magazine.

Exhibits at Fernwood’s Clark Art Gallery change every two months and features various mediums. The Clark Gallery was generously funded by Clark Equipment Company, and later enhancements were made possible by a gift from Leo J. McKernan. On occasion, the gallery is used for lectures or private events. Those interested are advised to call ahead to ensure that their next visit includes viewing the beautiful artwork on display. No admission is required to view the exhibit or to attend an artist reception/talk.

Fernwood is a place where nature blends with gardens and art to create an experience of wonder for all ages. Fernwood is comprised of 105 acres on the St. Joseph River near Buchanan, Michigan, at 13988 Range Line Road, Niles. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Café hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday. Call (269) 695-6491, or visit fernwoodbotanical.orgfor more information and to confirm status of classes.