Doreen McGunagle brings aerial nature photography to Tequesta gallery

Doreen McGunagle, Ph.D., will debut new aerial abstract realism works at Artists’ Studio & Gallery of Tequesta on Nov. 14, 2026, with a free public meet-and-greet and artist talk. The show previews her 2027 solo exhibition at the Cornell Art Museum and spotlights fragile marine and coastal ecosystems.

Why it matters: - McGunagle’s new work reframes familiar marine and coastal landscapes as abstract compositions, turning ecological detail into a visual argument for conservation. - The Tequesta presentation offers an early look at the artistic direction behind her 2027 solo exhibition at the Cornell Art Museum in Delray Beach. - The event connects fine art photography with environmental awareness at a time when reef, coastal, and ice-based ecosystems face increasing pressure.

What happened: - Artists’ Studio & Gallery of Tequesta will host “From Water to Aerial Realism: New Works by Doreen McGunagle, Ph.D.” on Saturday, Nov. 14, 2026, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. - The event is a free public meet-and-greet with advance RSVP required. - A brief artist talk is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. - Guests will view a new collection of aerial fine art photography and meet McGunagle at the gallery in Tequesta, Florida. - RSVP is available through this event page.

The details: - McGunagle’s newest works use aerial abstract realism to depict coral reefs, kelp forests, coastlines and waterways. - The images are designed around color, texture, pattern and movement. - McGunagle said viewing these environments from above reveals “an entirely different visual language.” - McGunagle said the goal is to help viewers look beyond the image and appreciate fragile ecosystems. - During the artist talk, McGunagle will discuss the inspiration behind the work, the experience of photographing from the air and the environmental stories embedded in the images. - The November presentation previews her upcoming solo exhibition, “Edges of the Earth: Fragile Ecosystems from Reef to Glacier,” which opens April 2, 2027, at the Cornell Art Museum. - The Cornell exhibition will include aerial photography of Florida coral reefs, Southern California coastal and kelp ecosystems, and Greenland’s Ilulissat Icefjord. - McGunagle is the founder of Global Voices for Nature Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on conservation education and environmental awareness. - The foundation uses visual storytelling, education and community engagement to promote environmental stewardship. - McGunagle’s fine art practice is rooted in environmental storytelling and stewardship. - Her work explores the relationship between natural beauty, ecological fragility and human experience. - Her photography has been presented in galleries and exhibitions.

Between the lines: - McGunagle is using aerial perspective to make ecological systems feel both more patterned and more vulnerable. - The gallery event functions as both a show and a test run for the larger 2027 museum exhibition. - The mix of art exhibition and conservation messaging positions the work for audiences interested in both aesthetics and environmental action.

What’s next: - The Tequesta event takes place Nov. 14, 2026, with the artist talk at 2:30 p.m. - McGunagle’s next major milestone is the April 2, 2027 opening of “Edges of the Earth” at the Cornell Art Museum. - More information is available on McGunagle’s website.