The Upper Valley Art League is proud to present a solo exhibition by local artist Jessica Monroe. The exhibition will open with a reception on Sat. September 9 from 7-9 p.m.   Monroe received a degree, with an emphasis on painting and sculpture, from Southwestern University in Georgetown, TX in 2005. Additionally, she enhanced her art education by taking a summer class at New York University, and participating in two summer study abroad programs in Madrid, Spain and Guanajuato, Mexico. The exhibition, titled “Art Ecologic” focuses on the chaos, movement, and energy of nature. The artworks are colorful impressionistic magnifications of natural spaces rarely noticed or investigated by the average person. Through this exhibition, Monroe hopes to remind us of our connection to nature. In conjunction with the exhibition, Monroe will lead a three-part workshop series (Sep 16, 23, and 30, 10-11:30 am) on keeping a nature journal as a way to delve more deeply into the subject. Through creative writing, drawing from observation, and abstract watercolor painting, students will use their interactions with elements of the exhibit for their own creative practice. Call UVAL for information.   The Upper Valley Art League is a membership-based nonprofit arts organization dedicated to teaching, preserving and inspiring the arts in the RGV.