New Jersey Audubon Displays Work Of Artist Dramatizing The Beauty Of Nj’s Bird Species
Brentano’s work uniquely dramatizes the beauty and fragility of many of New Jersey’s bird species. Her outdoor installation shows large aluminum inverse-silhouettes of approximately 40 endangered and threatened species, and species of special concern. Brentano has cut the shape of each bird from the material, and that void is filled by sunlight, reflection and the background natural environment. Wind, light and shadow create a delicate drama before the viewer’s eyes.
Many of her works are hung from tree limbs, and ground-foraging species are displayed in the brush. A great egret stands near a vernal pool. Visitors are urged to wander the paths in search of discoveries. Several of Brentano’s works in paper are displayed inside, against windows and hanging as mobiles.
“These works display the grace of many precious species that we are working to protect,” said Michael Pollock, New Jersey Audubon Naturalist. “The art appears here in the birds’ natural habitats, although some species have not been seen in a number of years owing to numerous pressures on their populations. The open silhouettes in the artwork relate some of the sadness of their absence, yet also the beauty of their presence.”
An accomplished artist, Brentano continues to emerge as a New Jersey artist with a deep environmental consciousness. “I wanted my work to call attention to the plight of the many species of resident and migratory birds that are endangered, threatened or of special concern due to loss of habitat, exploitation, disease, and contamination,” she said. “The more we can bring these beautiful species into people’s awareness, the more likely we are to save them.”
Shortly after the installation opens in April, it will be seen by approximately 1,000 visitors to the May Days event. The public is invited to attend, and there will be a packed schedule of activities and attractions for people of all ages. Brentano will give a talk about her work, and New Jersey Audubon naturalists will be available for additional discussion. Don Freiday, Director of Birding Programs at NJ Audubon’s Cape May Bird Observatory will follow with a presentation on the missing birds of the Ghost Forest at Scherman Hoffman with an explanation of the environmental pressures that have led to their absence. The display will continue through May. For directions and details, please visit www.njaudubon.org.
New Jersey Audubon is grateful for the partnership with Brentano, said Joe Basralian, a Conservation Advocate at New Jersey Audubon. “Pat cares deeply about our native wildlife, and her work as an artist and educator brings those feelings to life,” he said. “New Jersey Audubon is grateful that visitors to Sherman Hoffman Sanctuary will experience her work.”
Most recently, Brentano installed 52 works of birds in aluminum at I-Park, an artist residency in East Haddam, Connecticut to call attention to the endangered birds of the state, and she was the recipient of the Lillian Heller Curators Award at the Chesterwood Museum for her installation about the endangered birds of Massachusetts.
In 2008 Brentano received a Puffin Grant to install her “Missing Trees” in Highland Park, NJ. The site had been a landfill, which the borough is transforming into an international garden in collaboration with The Edison Wetlands Association.
Brentano received the 2006 New Jersey State Council of the Arts Fellowship. She teaches at Kean University and in the Institute for Woman’s leadership at Rutgers. She believes in the power of art to inspire social change. As an artist, she wants to continue to use her skill and creativity to teach visual awareness and inspire environmental responsibility.
In an upcoming exhibit, Brentano will show her works in paper of the endangered birds of Indiana, at the Evansville Museum in Indiana, where she will be the Merritt and Martha DeJong Visiting Artist in Residence.
Online, some of her work can be seen at: www.patbrentano.com.
About the Author
New Jersey Audubon Society fosters environmental awareness and a conservation ethic; protects New Jersey’s birds, animals, and plants (especially endangered and threatened species); and promotes the preservation of New Jersey’s valuable natural habitats. NJAS is a privately supported, not-for-profit, statewide membership organization. Founded in 1897, it is one of the oldest independent Audubon societies. With more than 20,000 caring and committed members, NJAS is one of the largest and most effective conservation organizations in the state. Find the NJAS center nearest you by visiting www.njaudubon.org or by calling its Headquarters at 908-204-8998.
Robinsons “Be Natural” Bird House advert 2009 – bird getting home
|
|
Ozeri Green Earth Textured Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan, 100-Percent PTFE and PFOA Free Utilizing GREBLON — a natural ceramic coating from Germany, the Green Earth Pan by Ozeri is one of the world’s first frying pans to achieve non-stick perfection while remaining absolutely free of PTFE, PFOA and other harmful chemicals. Conventional non-stick cookware is achieved through a coating of PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene), a synthetic substance that has waxy properties. At very high tempe… |
|
|
Ozeri Green Earth Smooth Ceramic Nonstick Frying Pan, 100-Percent PTFE and PFOA Free Utilizing natural ceramic as a coating, the Green Earth Pan by Ozeri is one of the world’s first frying pans to achieve non-stick perfection while remaining absolutely free of PTFE, PFOA and other harmful chemicals. Conventional non-stick cookware is achieved through a coating of PTFE (PolyTetraFluoroEthylene), a synthetic substance that has waxy properties. At very high temperatures, PTFE begins … |
|
|
Advance Time Technology 6050 Ball Alarm Clock with Nature Sounds $13.32 LCD display shows time day date year and indoor temperatureNight light feature and sunrise wake alarm9 selectable nature sounds rain waves crickets birds babbling brook heart beat rooster ringing telephone and bell alarm… |
|
|
The Positive Approach To Parrots as Pets, Tape 2: Training Through Positive Reinforcement Finally, a comprehensive guide to bird training! In this video Steve Martin shares with you the positive reinforcement training techniques that he has developed and utilized over the past 30 years. He provides you with the tools necessary to teach your bird almost any behavior you have ever seen or can imagine…. |
|
|
Birds for All Seasons [VHS] … |
|
|
BBC Wildlife Special: Meerkats United and Impossible Bird [VHS] … |
|
|
Philips Hf3470/60 Wake-up Light, White $59.99 MAS HF3470-60 WAKE UP LIGHT… |
|
|
Ecotones Sound + Sleep Machine, Model ASM1002 $103.99 The Ecotones family of Sleep Sound Machines from Adaptive Sound Technologies is designed to provide the most realistic, natural sound environment possible to help people relax and sleep better at night. Each device includes ultra-high quality natural sound recordings for the most realistic listening experience. They use ASTI’s patented Adaptive SoundTM Technology that listens and responds to backg… |
|
|
Citrus Magic Pet Odor Eliminator Solid, 20-Ounce, Citrus Naturally Absorbs Odors!Fresh Linen Scent!Pure Linen™Ideal for:BasementsClosetsPet AreasCars/RV’sSmokeMoldMildewLong Lasting Dual Action:Fresh Linen Scent Freshens AirActivated Charcoal Absorbs Odors!Pure Linen™ Solid Air Freshener magically absorbs bad odors and freshens the air…Naturally! Using a unique formula that utilizes activated charcoal, Pure Linen quickly absorbs foul odors, … |
|
|
Dalen OW6 Gardeneer 16-Inch Molded Owl $11.33 DALEN GREAT HORNED OWL *18″ high *Hand painted *Plastic *Natural predator of small animals and birds *Effective scarecrow… |