By Lucas Willard
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wamc/local-wamc-1000724.mp3
Pittsfield, MA – On the second floor of the Berkshire Museum in Pittsfield, the first thing you'll notice is birds. Prints of birds, mounted taxidermy birds, antique hats and clothing made from birds. Executive Director of the Museum Van Shields
The art of John James Audubon, more specifically. Audubon made his mission in the 19th century to observe and record every bird on the North American continent. In fact, he painted around 500 of the roughly 700 North American species. The life-like prints Audubon produced of his studies were collected in volumes - which complete today are incredibly valuable. In fact, at auction, the collected works have sold for over 11 million dollars.
Van Shields says that this exhibition which contains over 30 original prints, is more than just a collection of valuable images, though.
Maria Mingalone, Director of Interpretation and curator of the exhibit said the level of detail and portrayal of Audubon's feathered subjects was revolutionary for its time.
To fit his birds on the page, Audubon used what's called double elephant folio sized paper, as wide as an owl's wingspan. A businessman as well as an artist,
Audubon sold his prints to subscribers. Less than 200 completed sets were ever compiled. Maria Mingalone explains.
The images themselves were created based on Audubon's original watercolors, then engraved into a copper plate, pressed onto the massive paper, and then finally hand colored.
The exhibit pairs taxidermy birds from the museum's collection with the prints in an encircling fashion. In an adjacent gallery, mounts are displayed exploring the science of birds, complete with an interactive display for kids, and more mounts, from the two inch ruby-throated hummingbird, to the 8 foot ostrich.
Taking Flight: Audubon and the World of Birds will be on display at the Berkshire Museum from January 21 to June 17
An opening day celebration will be held on January 21st with events starting at 10 am.
For more information and directions call 413-443-7171 or visit www.berkshiremuseum.org