Audubon lecture: The ecology of birds in art

This Friday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m., the St. Augustine Art Association will host a free lecture on Florida’s wading birds, their unique environment and the art they’ve inspired through time.

Audubon Florida Ecologist Chris Farrell will give the presentation in conjunction with 7th Annual Nature & Wildlife Exhibit, on display in the landmark gallery through August 28.

“It may be difficult for some to observe birds in the natural world, but we can learn about how birds feed, their habitat and other behaviors by viewing works of art,” said Farrell.

From Bartram and Audubon to the works in the Association’s nature exhibit, artists have captured interesting aspects of bird species for centuries, according to Farrell.

Farrell is the Audubon Florida Policy Associate of Northeast Florida. He holds an M.S. degree in biology from Florida International University, where he studied the ecology of the Everglades.

During the lecture, attendees will have an opportunity to view the exhibit, which features more than 100 original pieces by top nature artists from across the U.S. and abroad. Young visitors will enjoy finding clues for prizes in a Go Wild for Art Scavenger Hunt.

The 7th Annual Nature & Wildlife Exhibit is supported, in part, by the St. Johns County Tourist Development Council. A portion of the proceeds from artwork sales will benefit the Art Association education programs and Audubon Florida.

The St. Augustine Art Association is located at 22 Marine Street. Parking downtown after 5:00 p.m. is free. To see samples of the award-winning artwork, visit the St. Augustine Art Association website at www.staaa.org and call (904) 824-2310 to make reservations for the lecture.