Florida Contemporary 2026-27
Dustin Harewood (b. United States 1978). Installation view, Jacksonville MoCA Muralists in Action, 2025. Photo: Layton Blount
Florida Contemporary, an annual exhibition organized by Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum, features artists with diverse artistic interests and backgrounds who hail from a variety of locations throughout Florida. The artists selected for the 14th edition of the exhibition are Dustin Harewood, Jacksonville; Nicario Jiménez-Quispe, Naples; Savannah Magnolia, Tampa; and Anastasia Samoylova, Miami.
On exhibition
October 17, 2026 – June 27, 2027
Located in the Blair Breakout Gallery, on the third floor of The Baker Museum
Painter and muralist Dustin Harewood combines exuberant imagery from the natural world with broad-ranging historical references to inspire reflection on issues including environmentalism, industrialization and colonialism. Harewood grew up in New York City and Barbados. He lives in Jacksonville, where he has taught at Florida State College at Jacksonville since 2004.
For this site-specific mural, which will remain on view until mid-April, Harewood reflects on the ways in which people seek control, whether over the natural world or over one another. Titled Heat, Wind and Warm Waters, the work playfully commingles references to the natural and built environments of Naples, Florida, with references to the city’s namesake: Naples, Italy. An image of the Naples Pier, damaged by Hurricane Ian (2022), reminds us of the unstoppable power of nature, while design elements from U.S. currency and a partial view of the Palazzo Della Borsa Vecchia (1806), located at one of the original financial centers of Naples, Italy, reference commerce and power structures.
Nature is also referenced in the cartoon-like storm clouds, which are combined with surging waves drawn from an old Japanese woodblock print. Harewood’s composition also includes vibrant depictions of coral reefs, a recurring motif in his work that highlights the artist’s interest in the vulnerability of these fragile ecosystems.
Visit the The Baker Museum
Reserve your museum tickets online.
Museum Admission
Selected Works
Dustin Harewood (b. United States 1978). Installation view, Jacksonville MoCA Muralists in Action, 2025. Photo: Layton Blount
Dustin Harewood (b. United States 1978). Installation view, Jacksonville MoCA Muralists in Action, 2025. Photo: Layton Blount
Associated Events
Panel Discussion
Florida Contemporary 2026-27
Thursday, January 28, 2pm
Sharon and Timothy Ubben Signature Event Space
Join the artists featured in Florida Contemporary 2026-27 for a lively panel discussion celebrating the state’s vibrant art scene. The 14th edition of the annual exhibition highlights diverse approaches to personal, local and global themes.
This presentation of Florida Contemporary is organized by Artis—Naples, The Baker Museum, and is curated by Courtney McNeil, museum director and chief curator; Dianne Brás-Feliciano, curator of modern art; and Libby Harrington, director of museum exhibitions and operations.
This exhibition is generously sponsored by Naples Illustrated and Waterside Shops.
