Georgia Natural Wonders

About the Exhibition

The Georgia Natural Wonders exhibition features paintings and drawings by Georgia artist Ann Litrel, co-author and artist for a new book from UGA Press, “35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die”. The paintings invite the viewer on a visual journey through Georgia’s most iconic landscapes—from mountain peaks and river gorges to hidden barrier island marshes.

The Georgia Natural Wonders project represents a seven-year venture by Litrel, which began in 2017 when she enrolled in the Master Naturalist program at Atlanta’s Chattahoochee Nature Center. “The program opened my eyes to the amazing breadth of geology, biodiversity and natural history in Georgia. I decided to do a series of paintings of our state’s most beautiful places.”

An internet search uncovered a bucket list by Charles Seabrook, longtime science writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Seabrook’s column, published in 2008, was titled “35 Natural Wonders in Georgia to See before You Die.” Intrigued by the places on his list – some of which were new to her – Litrel decided to visit all 35 places and create two or three paintings for each.

“My initial idea was simply a series of paintings. I wanted everyone to see what a gorgeous and immense place Georgia really is.” But Litrel said it was soon apparent the project needed to be not just a collection of paintings, but a book as well. “There is so much to know and learn about the natural history, the geology, the wildlife, the history of each of these places. Charlie and I met and I persuaded him that his list needed to become a full book.

“When I began, I thought the series of paintings would naturally have a consistent feel or style. But what I found was that each of these places spoke in a voice that was beautifully and utterly unique. To me, this was the biggest surprise. I encountered another world each time I visited a new wonder. And I think you can see that in the paintings.”

Biography

Ann Litrel

ANN LITREL is a nationally published artist whose paintings of botanical and wildlife subjects have appeared on prints, books, stationery, and textiles.

Ann Litrel in nature Ann Litrel

ANN LITREL is a nationally published artist whose paintings of botanical and wildlife subjects have appeared on prints, books, stationery, and textiles. As a writer and illustrator, she has collaborated on three books and has been a monthly columnist for a range of publications on topics of art, ecology, community, and history. Litrel’s passion for arts and community led her to co-found the Woodstock Arts Center, an award-winning, multidisciplinary arts center on a four-acre campus.

Her most recent series of paintings portrays 35 natural wonders of Georgia, over 100 paintings and drawings which are also featured in a book, “35 Natural Wonders of Georgia to See Before You Die,” co-authored with longtime science writer Charles Seabrook and published by the University of Georgia Press.

The Georgia Natural Wonders painting series premiered January 2026 at the Booth Museum in Cartersville, Georgia, and will travel to four other exhibitions around the state through 2027.

Litrel lives with her husband, Dr. Michael Litrel, in Woodstock, Georgia.

Selected Artwork

Explore the Exhibition

Explore selected paintings from Ann Litrel’s journey across Georgia’s natural landscapes. Select an artwork to view its story, materials, and details.

Albany Area Arts Council inside the Carnegie Library of Albany

Carnegie Library of Albany · Photo by Belinda Vickerson

Georgia Natural Wonders

Experience the Exhibition

Join us at the Carnegie Library of Albany for an evening with artist Ann Litrel and experience Georgia’s extraordinary natural landscapes through her paintings and drawings.

Opening Reception

Friday, August 7, 6–9 p.m.
Book talk & signing 6–7 p.m.
Artist reception 7–9 p.m.

On View

August 3–28, 2026
Gallery hours Monday–Thursday, 12–4 p.m., or by appointment

Location

Carnegie Library of Albany
215 N. Jackson St.
Albany, GA 31701

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