Starting on March 7, the Friends of MacArthur Beach State Park will welcome Florida Artist Hall of Fame painter James Hutchinson for an art show and sale. Hutchinson’s original paintings can be viewed in the Park’s Nature Center daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through March 31. The Stuart resident also will speak about his life and career at the Park’s annual NatureScaping event, set for March 15.

Hutchinson began his lifelong devotion to the arts after receiving his first commission in 1948. Much of his time was spent studying the beauty of Florida’s natural surroundings, and he immersed himself in the Seminole Indian tribe, living among its members for six years. As a result of his intimate understanding of the native Americans and the native species of Florida, he was chosen to represent the state during the World’s Fair in New York City in 1965. After the fair, his reputation spread throughout the country, earning him collectors in all 50 states and across the globe. In March of 2011, Hutchinson was inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame.

“We are very excited and honored to host Mr. Hutchinson’s beautiful collection,” said Cheryl Houghtelin, executive director of the Friends. “Proceeds from all paintings sold will go toward our Natural Science Education Fund, educating future generations by providing them the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate our natural world.”

John D. MacArthur Beach State Park, Palm Beach County’s only state park, comprises 438 acres of pristine coastal land and contains four different habitats, seven types seagrass and 22 species of animals on the endangered or threatened list.