A squadron of bird, nature and art lovers alighted at the Environmental Learning Center recently for an Artists’ Reception of the annual Indian River Bird and Nature Art Show to benefit the Pelican Island Preservation Society.
The month-long show is held each October to celebrate National Wildlife Refuge week and to promote awareness, conservation, stewardship and use. In particular, the event highlights our two local conservation areas – Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge, which was designated as the nation’s first by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1903, and Archie Carr National Wildlife Refuge, a prolific sea turtle nesting area that spans from Wabasso Beach to Melbourne Beach.
In addition to the art show, there were various activities all month long, including a flock of bird-centric tours, sunset wine cruises, a shorebird beach tour, migratory bird talks, beginning birding for kids, an owl walk, photo lecture led by Juanita Baker, and, following the Artists’ Reception, a slideshow showcasing the birds of the refuge.
Judges Dan Kroger and Warren Obluck waded through more than 100 bird- and nature-related entries to select the 2021 winners. Artists had depicted native flora and fauna in a variety of mediums, from sculpture and mixed media to photography, oils, watercolor and acrylics. Earlier, several artists had visited the ELC to paint en plein air, hoping to capture the beauty of the campus and its critters in their natural setting.
For more information, visit firstrefuge.org.
Photos provided
