The island of Jamaica, its people and lifestyle - as viewed through the lens of fine art photographer, David I. Muir - will be on display for the "Pieces of Jamaica" exhibition which opens on January 6, 2012 at the City of Sunrise - Civic Center Art Gallery.

The "Pieces of Jamaica" collection will showcase a number of new photographs and old favorites depicting the candid beauty of the Jamaican people, its diverse landscape and rich culture.

"Jamaica is a diverse and beautiful island with a fascinating culture and people. My love for my country and my love of photography inspired me to merge the two and present a body of work that will showcase Jamaica in a positive light," Muir told the National Weekly.

Greatly encouraged by the success of previous exhibitions, Muir said it is his job "to carry the culture" and that he feels "honored and appreciated" by the tremendous response the exhibitions have received.

Christine Pfeffer, Communications Director of the gallery said, "We are so happy to showcase a Sunrise resident in the gallery, especially someone who has such beautiful work."

Pointing to the city's diversity, Pfeffer said, "Whenever we do programming, we try to be as inclusive as possible and this is a wonderful representation of the make up of our community."

According to Muir, who plans to compile his work in a coffee table-type book, he wants to "offer these powerful images of my beautiful country so more people can share in the joy."

"Pieces of Jamaica" has been exhibited throughout Florida with the first major show at the Lauderhill Art Center Gallery in Lauderhill. Subsequent exhibitions have been held at Stoneybrook Golf Club, Orlando; Miramar City Hall in the City of Miramar for Caribbean American Heritage Month; and the African American Research Library & Cultural Center, Fort Lauderdale.

This exhibition will continue throughout the months of January and February at the City of Sunrise Civic Center Art Gallery at 10610 W Oakland Park Blvd., Sunrise, Florida. The exhibition is free and open to the public.