A Dual Media Exploration
“Art on the Wing” and “Beneath the Surface”
Join us at the Studios of Cocoa Beach for an inspiring new exhibition featuring the captivating works of two remarkable artists, Kenneth Wagner and Rita Irvin. From May 4 through May 31, 2026, experience "Art on the Wing" and "Beneath the Surface"—a unique showcase of photography and mixed media art that explores the beauty of nature and the complexity of human emotion.
Kenneth Wagner’s “Art on the Wing” presents a stunning collection of bird photography that highlights the vibrant, intricate behaviors and stunning colors of Florida’s native bird species. Having nurtured a lifelong fascination with birds, Wagner captures each subject in its natural state, combining artistry and education by carefully composing his images and enhancing backgrounds without altering the birds themselves. His photographs invite viewers to witness the grace and daily drama of avian life, taking us on a visual journey through the skies of Florida and beyond.
Contrasting yet complementing Wagner’s work, Rita Irvin’s “Beneath the Surface” delves into the emotional and textural depths of mixed media art. Drawing on a lifetime of creative influence shaped by her upbringing in Berlin and extensive career in interior design, Irvin crafts layered compositions filled with subtle fractures, scraped edges, and evolving forms. Her work challenges the notion of perfection, inviting viewers to look beyond the surface and engage with themes of memory, control, release, and hidden intensity.
The opening reception will be held on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at the Studios of Cocoa Beach located at 165 Minutemen Causeway in downtown Cocoa Beach. This is the perfect opportunity to meet the artists, explore their contrasting yet harmonious bodies of work, and enjoy an evening immersed in art and conversation.
Don’t miss this extraordinary exhibition that pairs the fluid beauty of birdlife with the textured complexity of human experience. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, art lover, or simply curious, “Art on the Wing” and “Beneath the Surface” offer something profoundly moving to discover.
Studios of Cocoa Beach is proud to host this event and invites the community and visitors alike to experience these compelling artistic expressions this May.
