Red-Wing Blackbird 5" x 6", watercolor

I will have a solo exhibit at The Gallery At WREN in Bethlehem, NH and the dates have been set for this coming Fall, September 16, 2011 until October 10, 2011.  My show will feature paintings of some of the wide range of bird species found at the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge located in nearby Whitefield, NH.  This diverse and amazing refuge is open for the public to enjoy year-round and consists of ponds, bogs, fens, marshes and boreal forest habitat.  It provides feeding, resting and nesting habitat for migratory birds as well as lots of other wildlife.

Coincidentally, this year also marks the 100th anniversary of the Weeks Act, important federal legislation named after Lancaster, NH native John Wingate Weeks, which allowed the Forest Service to purchase private land and turn it into public forest.  For my part in the state-wide celebration of the Weeks Act, I will be donating a portion of the sales from my show to the Pondicherry Wildlife Refuge for trail maintenance, new signage or wherever it’s needed most.   I’ve already begun creating paintings for this show, including the image above and I hope the exhibit will be successful so I can donate a useful amount!

If you’ve never been out to Pondicherry…. this year is a great time to get out and explore it’s varied habitats and the array of birds and wildlife which can be found there.  It’s easy to get to (near the Whitefield Airport) and the trails are all at an easy walking level.  During the summer months, I strongly recommend bug spray, binoculars and a camera, of course…because you never know what you’re going to see.