Redbud Arts Center presents Michael Collins' exhibit titled "Coastal Gardens" in the east gallery.

Collins states: "In my recent series, the garden spaces contain sentient verdant vegetation, which erupts with life amidst abandoned factories, decaying ancient Roman buildings, and other such vestiges of a collapsed human presence. In my paintings, nature becomes a punitive element. The architecture is being eviscerated by nature. The buildings are metaphors for our naiveté in believing that nature may be controlled and is somehow independent of what humankind inflicts on the planet. I have been influenced since childhood by his native coastal surroundings, characterized by subtropical vegetation and a sweltering, humid atmosphere, and symbolic references to water. I imbue these and other elements drawn from my personal experience into a mystical artistic vision articulating the human condition, which I feel possess a certain terrible beauty."

Following the opening reception, the exhibit will be on display until December 30.