The following is an immediate release from the Connecticut Audubon Society:
Fairfield resident Katie Lee's paintings will be on display at the Connecticut Audubon Society’s “Birds in their Habitat” Art Exhibition and Sale from September 23-25. The exhibition will take place at the Connecticut Audubon Society’s Center at Fairfield located at 2325 Burr Street in Fairfield, CT. Lee is among 21 gifted artists working in a variety of media who have been selected to display and sell their works by a jury of specialists to ensure quality and professionalism.
Katie Lee is a renowned botanical and wildlife artist. She is also an instructor at the New York Botanical Garden Botanical Illustration program and has taught drawing, watercolor, acrylic and composition courses at various art institutions worldwide. In addition, she has lead numerous sketching safaris to Botswana and field sketching trips to South America.
Lee’s work can be found in private collections in England, Australia, the United States and South Africa. A number of Katie’s works are in Dr. Shirley Sherwood’s Contemporary Botanical Artists Collection; and the Alisa and Isaac Sutton Collection.
Her work has also been accepted into the prestigious Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s ‘Birds in Art’, 2002 and 2003, and exhibited at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA; Bell Museum of National History, University of Minnesota, MN; Weisman Museum, Minneapolis, MN; Tryon Swann Gallery, London, England; and Bruce Museum, Greenwich, CT.
Lee’s awards include: Don Harrington Discovery Center; Merit Award for Excellence, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden Biennial; Gold Medal for Excellence, Best in Show 2004.
Ms. Lee has illustrated a number of books for children, including Puffin’s Homecoming, Black Bear Cub, Orca Song, Monarch of Aster and Underwater with Ogden Nash. Lee wrote and illustrated A Visit to Galapagos.
“I return from my journeys into nature with a very strong desire to share the wonders I have experienced with those who look at my paintings,” states Lee. “There is always at least one image that will give me no peace until it is on paper. I hope my paintings touch a heart, stir a sense of responsibility, or at least create an understanding that it is important to protect the planet now, so that future generations still see, in the wild, the wonders I have experienced.”
Throughout history, the dreams and aspirations of humankind have been symbolically depicted by one creature above all others – the bird. The art of depicting birds has become a living history as rich in its past as in its promise of a continuing future. This year is no exception as the Connecticut Audubon Society brings together talented artists who specialize in avian art during its second annual Birds In Their Habitat juried artists’ exhibition and sale. Forty percent of the proceeds from the sale of the artwork will benefit the Connecticut Audubon Society. Media includes: painting, photography, pottery, printmaking, and wood carving. Beth Rhame, "Birds in Their Habitat" art show chairman, remarked, "This is an art event that is enlightening, inspirational, fun and educational, and it is also a critical fundraiser for our operations in Fairfield. The artwork, ranging in price from $50 to $5,000, will appeal to casual observers and serious collectors alike."
Also featured is Connecticut Audubon Society 2011 “Artist of the Year” Floyd Scholz, a native of Connecticut. A professional carver since 1983 and in his 41st year of carving, Floyd Scholz is an internationally recognized award winning master bird carver. His portrayal of eagles, hawks, owls and many other large birds has won him a large international following and many top awards at major shows throughout the country. When not in his studio, traveling and doing essential field studies of birds take up most of his time. For more information about his work, visit: www.vermontraptoracademy.com
“We are delighted to announce the 2011 Birds In Their Habitat sponsors: Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, The Bank of Fairfield, Domaine Clarence Dillon wines, Fairfield Cheese Company and Max’s Art Supplies,” added Director of Fairfield Operations Nelson North. “This is an exceptionally fine list of organizations whose philanthropic support is indicative of their commitment to the Connecticut Audubon Society and our community at large.”
For more information, call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 or visit the website at ctaudubon.org.
