Artist awarded Otter Oscar

Nature photographer Linda Wilinski will have two exhibits at the Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery. “Untamed Florida” opens Dec. 7 and runs through Jan. 4. Wilinski will give a talk on this exhibit at 6 p.m. Dec. 12. [Submitted photo]

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Posted December 5, 2025 | By Margo Wilson, Special to the Gazette

Nature photographer Linda Wilinski, who just has been awarded an Otter Oscar for Photography, will present on Dec. 12 the first of a three-part series about her excursions into the great outdoors, capturing wildlife with her camera and offering tips on how you might do the same.

Her presentation, “Untamed Florida,” will take place at the Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery and will be followed Jan. 9 by “The Life of Otters” and Jan. 23 by “Conservation Photography.”

The International Otter Survival Fund recently named Wilinski the recipient of its 2025 Otter Oscar for Photography/Artwork. In a Facebook post, a fund representative wrote, “Linda has been very vocal about promoting ethical photography practices around wildlife, and her stunning photos show that you do not need to be within touching distance to get the perfect shot.”

The Rainbow Springs gallery will host exhibits of Wilinski’s photos, including an “Untamed Florida” exhibit, from Dec. 7 through Jan. 4, and “Otters,” from Jan. 4 through Jan. 25.

Gallery President Kathy Sage said the gallery invited Wilinski to share her art to promote education about and awareness of “the natural beauty that surrounds our springs and the animals that need it to survive. We also need to learn how to co-exist with them.”

Sage said Wilinski has “a great eye” and “a love of photography and nature that has placed her in some amazing situations.”

Sage said the gallery is trying to offer “all types of community art” and that programs all are kid friendly.

The Rainbow Springs Art in Dunnellon gallery, at 20826 Walnut St., is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday and Monday. To learn more, call (352) 763-4048.

The three talks by Wilinski will begin at 6 p.m. at the gallery. Reservations are required and a $10 donation is requested. Reservations can be made at rainbowspringsart.com or at the gallery.