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Published: June 12 2012

A visit to Native Visions Gallery instantly transports you to the majestic wilderness of African bush country, opening a window on the secret world of majestic lions and frolicking cubs, grazing Cape buffalo, mammoth elephants and colorful birds. Timeless works of art bring to life the landscapes and ecosystems of a continent that in many areas remains untamed and filled with potential for adventure.

Ross Parker, who owns the gallery on Las Olas Boulevard with his wife Kirsten, is a native of Zimbabwe who moved to the U.S. in 1980, and wanted to share the beauty of Africa with others through fine art. Native Visions carries paintings, sculptures, carvings and glass works from both established and emerging artists. "Some of our artists are well known, but we also seek out new artists whom we believe have the potential to become world-renowned," he says.

The Parkers look for pieces that will withstand the test of time. "A painting of a lion or a sunset will never go out of fashion," Ross says. "Our artists are passionate about the outdoors and the environment, and they spend a lot of time photographing and sketching. That's why the output of a wildlife artist is often quite limited."

Parker first opened Native Visions in Boca Raton, but decided Fort Lauderdale was a better location because of its international audience, as well as its proximity to the airport and Port Everglades. He moved to Las Olas in 1990, and today, Native Visions is the oldest gallery on the now trendy street.

Back then, however, Las Olas was much quieter and less popular. Nearly all the stores were closed in the evenings, and Parker began trying to convince shopkeepers that there was business to be done at night. "I knew Las Olas was perfect for strolling in the evening as well as during the day, and that if stores were open, people would come to shop," he says.

At first, he persuaded some store owners to stay open on Friday nights, and then Saturdays, too. Gradually, merchants began to see that people dining out evenings at Las Olas restaurants enjoyed visiting the shops as well. Today, of course, the street bustles every night of the week.

Native Visions also hosts art shows, with a portion of the profits going to a charity, usually one benefiting wildlife. One of the exhibits featured a visit from world-renowned primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall, known for her studies of chimpanzees. Not surprisingly, the charity benefiting from that event was the Jane Goodall Institute, which works to protect the chimps of Gombe National Park in Tanzania.

Native Visions carries both traditional and contemporary art in a variety of media including oil, watercolor, bronze, jade, wood and glass at prices ranging from $250 to more than $100,000. There is a second Native Visions in Naples. "We offer unique works that can't be found anywhere else," Parker says. "Collectors and people who just enjoy beautiful art take pride in owning something from Native Visions.

Phone: 954-767-9714
Websites: www.nativevisions.com
www.callofafrica.com
Hours: Mon.-Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-10 p.m.