A Flock of John James Audubon's Work Lands in Northwest Connecticut
Three organizations have collaborated to celebrate the work and legacy of the artist and naturalist.
They’re not calling it a festival, like so many events do these days, but the Tremaine Art Gallery at The Hotchkiss School, Sharon Historical Society and Sharon Audubon have collaborated on an exhibition of John James Audubon’s life and works that might as well be deemed a festival. It’s an ambitious and thought-provoking exposition that starts at the Tremaine with Audubon’s illustrations (many originals) Aug. 30, continues at the Sharon Historical Society and Museum beginning Sept. 14, and is augmented by activities at Sharon Audubon. The entire project extends through the fall and is a celebration of the art, science and heritage of one of America’s greatest naturalists.
Christopher Robinson, who spearheaded the project, has been working for three years to put it together. A trustee of the Sharon Historical Society and an attorney, he is a former art dealer, so he’s particularly qualified and knows how to put a show together. And although he never had a particular interest in Audubon, he said it doesn’t really matter.
“Audubon’s life is an example of early interest in conservation that resonates today,” he said.
The dilemma was where to have the show. The prints are enormous — 39” x 26” — and there isn’t a space big enough at either the Historical Society or Sharon Audubon. “The Tremaine Gallery was the logical choice,” said Robinson. And, in fact, it already owned a number of Audubon prints. Voilà — Audubon in Northwest Connecticut became a collaborative, community-wide event.
“Wild and Beautiful Creatures” at the Tremaine Gallery in Lakeville is all about Audubon’s images. The exhibition includes around 30 of his illustrations for birds and mammals from his two monumental publications. Some are original prints, drawn largely from local collectors, including a collection given to the school by a former headmaster. One of the original copper plates from which prints were made is on display, as is one of his few surviving oil paintings. A reception and talk on Saturday, Sept. 14, is free and open to the public.
“The Life and Work of J.J. Audubon” at the Sharon Historical Society and Museum gives context to the images. That show will explore Audubon’s professional and family life, the evolution of his publications, his innovative working methods and his relationship with the conservation of American species. There’s also a rare, original portrait drawing (he did them for $5 to help with expenses, Robinson said), and a specimen of a passenger pigeon, a species that was abundant in Audubon’s time but is now extinct.
Autumn programming at Sharon Audubon will supplement the exhibits with lectures on bird photography, drawing and more.
A highlight of the project, Robinson said, is the participation of Allen Blagden, one of the foremost nature watercolor painters in America, who happens to live in Lakeville. He will lead a walk-through of his own exhibition, “Inspired by Audubon: The Art of Allen Blagden,” at the Sharon Historical Society on Oct. 12 and discuss the wonders and difficulties of painting in the wild.
This is a really big show, with a multitude of programs (the press release alone ran four pages) that should be of interest to art lovers, birders, environmentalists and history buffs. It’s also one you probably won’t find anywhere else. Even if you’ve never had a special interest in Audubon, this is an opportunity, you might say, to spread your wings.
Wild and Beautiful Creatures
Tremaine Art Gallery at The Hotchkiss School
11 Interlaken Rd., Lakeville, CT
August 30 – October 13, 2019
Tuesday–Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sunday 12-4 p.m.
The Life and Work of J.J. Audubon
Sharon Historical Society & Museum
September 14 – December 13, 2019
18 Main St., Sharon, CT
Wednesday–Friday, 12-4 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Audubon Sharon
325 Cornwall Bridge Rd., Sharon, CT
