The Tyler Museum of Art highlights the unique plant and animal life of the Texas landscape from the perspective of 20 of the region’s most prominent contemporary artists with its next major exhibition, “Flora and Fauna.”

Featuring nearly 30 works across a broad spectrum of media, including painting, photography, sculpture and silhouettes, the exhibition opens Dec. 11 and continues through March 19.

The museum, 1300 S. Mahon Ave., is on the Tyler Junior College main campus. Admission is free.

Organized by the Tyler Museum of Art, the exhibition showcases works from the museum’s permanent collection as well as public and private collections throughout the state. All of the pieces focus on the theme of plant and animal life in the region.

Several pieces included in “Flora and Fauna” were completed only recently and will be making their public debuts during this “panoramic showcase of our region’s natural splendor,” TMA curator Caleb Bell said.

Featured artists in the exhibition include, Helen Altman, Mark Messersmith, Melissa Miller and the late Luis Jimenez, in addition to photographer Keith Carter and wildlife painter Billy Hassell. Both have been the focus of previous solo exhibitions at the TMA. “Flora and Fauna” also highlights the work of several artists, whose work will be exhibited at the Museum for the first time.

Support for the exhibition is provided by Collectors’ Circle Gold Sponsors Martha and Randy Key and Sheryl Rogers Palmer.

Special events in connection with “Flora and Fauna” include First Friday Tours scheduled for 11 a.m. on Jan. 6, Feb. 3 and March 3, and Family Days from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturdays Jan. 14, Feb. 11 and March 11. Admission to special events is free, but reservations are encouraged.

The museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. It is closed on Mondays and most major holidays.

Jon Perry is Tyler Museum of Art’s communications coordinator.