Joan LoBianco: Nature Coast Art League Artist of the Month

Joan’s photography depicts Florida’s wildlife and fauna in a beautiful way. Visit her exhibit at the Spring Hill Library through the month of December.

A photograph of a pileated woodpecker — a big, dashing bird with a flaming crest — has won Spring Hill photographer Joan LoBianco recognition as Artist of the Month from the Nature Coast Art League.
The stunning photograph on canvas is a perfect example of the camera skills required to capture an image of a beautiful winged creature.

“It was a unique moment and I was able to capture the shot of him when he visited my backyard,” Joan said. A wildlife photographer, Joan is never far away from nature and is always on the lookout for the beauty of life that surrounds us.

A native New Yorker, Joan grew up on Long Island and earned her Bachelor’s degree in art and communications from the N.Y. Institute of Technology. Although she started her art education by exploring drawing and painting, it was photography that really inspired her.

She started her photography career photographing weddings and portraits and eventually began photographing the people, places and things she encountered while traveling.

“I still like to travel,” she says, “but nowadays I go to places where I can get some great shots of wildlife. Places like the Circle Bar B Ranch, Gatorland, The Rookery at the Alligator Farm in St. Augustine, or Chinsegut here in the county.”

“I still accept opportunities to photograph portraits,” she says, “but I also enjoy spending my time selling my photographs at the county’s local art shows.”

Joan is a general photographer with a particular passion for photographing people, places and nature. Recently retired from teaching from Hernando County schools and awarded teacher of the year for J.D. Floyd Elementary in 2021, she has been applauded for her artistic approach to subject matter — whether it be a portrait, the facade of an interesting building, or a bird in a tree.

“Joan’s recognition is well deserved as all of her photographic work is exceptional,” said Jana Withers, the NCAL Media Director. “She brings a wealth of art information to our art league and is currently working as a committee member with our Vice President, Brandt Emerson, to coordinate our group exhibit at the 2025 Art in the Park Fine Arts Show.

Joan lives in Spring Hill and is a member of the Hernando County Fine Arts Council, as well as the Nature Coast Art League and serves as vice president of the Spring Hill Camera Club where she has also been recognised for her outstanding artwork.

She also has won several photo contests and has had her photographs displayed in galleries in Coral Cables, Crystal River, as well as in regular exhibits at the Brooksville 201 Gallery before it closed. Her photo “In Mama’s Embrace” was the first-place winner of the second annual Hernando County Fine Arts Council Art Contest.

“I am very honored to be recognized among so many other talented artists for the photograph,” she said.

During the month of December “Pileated Woodpecker” is being exhibited at the Spring Hill Library, located at 9220, Spring Hill Dr., Spring Hill, FL 34608.