At the Currier: From Birds to Beasts, Audubon’s Last Great Adventure

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MANCHESTER, NH – A special collection of original mammal prints by John James Audubon will be on display at the Currier Museum of Art’s From Birds to Beasts: Audubon’s Last Great Adventure exhibition from May 23 to August 30.  This exhibition, in addition to dozens of other art, education and conservation-focused activities, provides many opportunities to explore the connections between art, adventure and nature.

“We are thrilled to be working with the Currier Museum of Art on this project, which will raise awareness about the impact of John James Audubon as both a ground-breaking artist and naturalist,” said Michael Bartlett, New Hampshire Audubon president. “Our collaboration with the Currier Museum has been tremendously rewarding, allowing us to share this incredible collection with the public.”

The comprehensive art exhibition and affiliated events will explore the artistic methods behind the works along with the importance and status of cohabitating with the natural world. More than 45 original hand-colored prints will be on display, most of which come from the NH Audubon collection, as will several of Audubon’s popular bird illustrations, created between 1826 to 1838.

Naturalists from NH Audubon will share their knowledge in the galleries during the course of the exhibition. Biologists will provide more in-depth information at a series of Magnificent Mammals talks at NH Audubon’s McLane Center, 84 Silk Farm Road in Concord including: Bats of New Hampshire – Facts and Myths at 7 p.m, on June 11; Moose of New Hampshire – Their Importance and Status at 7 p.m. on June 30; and Recovering NH’s Native Rabbit – the New England Cottontail at 7 p.m. on July 14.

Other Audubon-related events at the Currier include:

  • Birds of the Zimmerman House at 3:30 on May 24, June 21, July 12 and August 9
  • Storytime in the Gallery: Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing at 11:30 am on May 25
  • Currier After Hours: Celebrating Audubon at 6 p.m. on June 4
  • Creative Studio: Animal Masks at 10 a.m, on June 13
  • ArtTalk with Robin Starr at 2 p.m, on June 14
  • Ecological Change Since Audubon at 6:30 p.m. on June 18
  • Storytime in the Gallery: Frederick at 11:30 a.m. on June 22
  • Creative Studio: Explorers at 10 a.m, on July 11
  • Storytime in the Gallery: Owl Babies at 11:30 a.m. on July 27
  • Creative Studio: Bird Feeders at 10 a.m, on August 8
  • Storytime in the Gallery: Those Darn Squirrels at 11:30 a.m. on August 24.

The museum will also offer tours of the exhibition 11:30 a.m, on May 30, June 20, and July 12. A special walkthrough of the exhibit for educators is offered at 3:30 p.m. on May 27.

As with his bird drawings, Audubon set new standards for his time by placing his mammalian subjects in life-like poses and habitats. Examples include a backdrop of the wandering Mississippi River adding interest to humble images of white-footed mice; a flying squirrel leaping from a branch into the air; or a mountain lion attending to its young.

“In his last great adventure, John James Audubon provided the world with a glimpse at the amazing variety of mammals living across America’s expanding western frontier,” said Steve Konick, director of PR and marketing at the Currier Museum of Art. “His works were so detailed and admired, that his name became synonymous with environmental causes, and remains the most recognizable name in all matters related to conservation of nature.“

Visit the exhibit during the regular museum hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (free admission for New Hampshire residents on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon); or during one of the special collaborative events listed at currier.org/calendar/Audubon and nhaudubon.org/events-and-news/from-birds-to-beasts/.

About New Hampshire Audubon

Founded in 1914, New Hampshire Audubon’s mission is to protect New Hampshire’s natural environment for wildlife and for people. It is an independent statewide membership organization with four nature centers throughout the state. Expert educators give programs to children, families, and adults at centers and in schools. Staff biologists and volunteers conduct bird conservation efforts such as the Peregrine Falcon restoration. New Hampshire Audubon protects thousands of acres of wildlife habitat and is a voice for sound public policy on environmental issues. For information on New Hampshire Audubon, including membership, volunteering, programs, sanctuaries, and publications, call 224-9909, or visit www.nhaudubon.org.


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About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!