Summertime, and the living is easy--away from the tight schedules of school and work and the plastic and push of daily life. Here in the Lakes Region, surrounded by green hills and sparkling blue water we are reminded again how much the natural world does for our spirits. Patricia Carega, of Center Sandwich, an experienced gallery operator, will demonstrate that the natural world also does wonderful things for the creative spirit. On July 27 she will open an exhibit entitled Natural Treasures, displaying works for sale of a fine group of artists who work in natural materials--wood, clay, stone, fiber, glass and paper--and take their inspiration from nature. Most of the artists who are contributing to this exhibit live and work in New England, or have strong New England roots. Their works range from Madeleine Lord's giant flowers fashioned in torched metal, to Nick Edmond's imaginative landscapes carved in wood, to Clara Wainwright's fascinating fabric art. There are several ceramic artists, including Sandwich artist Milan McNall, who is inspired by the magic and beauty of nature in creating her fountains and bird baths, and Katherine Hackl who produces traditional hand thrown pottery, as well as custom tiles for public and private installations. Other participating artists will show works in glass, fiber and paper. Patricia Carega was herself inspired by nature in deciding to mount this show. She was impressed by the Lakes Region Conservation Trust's campaign to protect the Castle in the Clouds property and its 5000 acres of woods, streams, and wildlife. To help further that good work, she will donate her gallery commission to the LRCT. Natural Treasures opens on Saturday, July 27, at the Patricia Carega Gallery, Maple Street (Route 113N), Center Sandwich (across from the police station). The show will run through Labor Day.