February 11, 2004
Birds Eleven

How many ways are there to look at birds? Eleven students at Ashland High School are exploring this question, and have been inspired to observe, record, and interpret the natural environment on an emotional level. The result is Birds Eleven, a new exhibit at the Museum that will open in May.

Ashland High School art teacher Rebecca Campbell is enthusiastic about the exhibit. "One thing that I think has been important in this process is that the students' appreciation of birds has grown significantly by having adopted a bird and studied it. I think each of the students in this class could name one or two other birds that they would like to study next. High school kids in general do not usually discuss the birds they see. My students in the exhibit class now do."

Ms. Campbell continued: "Developing Birds Eleven has given my students an understanding of what goes into making a high quality exhibit. They’ll have the opportunity to see their work displayed in a professional museum, and they are being taken seriously as artists. This is an experience that is not available to most high school students. They are also learning about career possibilities in museums."

The students' growing respect and appreciation for nature and birds is reflected in the artwork they have created for Birds Eleven. The exhibit includes their unique perspectives and interpretation; they have created paintings, sculpture, mosaics and more. Museum visitors can expect to learn more about the natural history of eleven Wisconsin birds, discover how art can teach us about nature, and in turn be inspired to create their own piece of bird art.

The exhibit has received support from the Xcel Energy Foundation, the Ashland Foundation and Susan Trankel Upchurch, a member of the Museum. The exhibit will open at a reception on Saturday, May 22, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm.