The Island Gallery presents “Desert Rhythms,” art by Lisa Wederquist through Nov. 2.

Born in Germany, Wederquist grew up in Colorado Springs, Colorado, and is currently based in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

She paints on linen, paper and canvas. Her paintings capture the essence of the natural world in the Southwest: Desert sky, wild grasses and the search for water.

“As a child I roamed the then wide-open foothills and canyons of the front range of the Rocky Mountains. This connection with nature has always sustained and inspired me.

“I studied painting and industrial design at Colorado College, City College of San Francisco, and Pratt Institute. Living in San Francisco for five years, and New York City for 10, infused me with the wonder, freedom, and crazy richness of urban life,” the artist recalled.

“I have been a painting contractor and decorative painter for many years. I have always been an artist. The scale of many of my paintings is informed by a love of physical work, the imagery by a love for the physical world.”

An opening reception is 6 to 8 p.m. on First Friday, Oct. 3, and will feature music by Peter Spencer & Friends on the plaza.

The Island Gallery is at 400 Winslow Way E., Suite 120.