"Art of Ornithology" Now on View at Rutgers University-Newark's Dana Library
"Art of Ornithology" Is a Collaborative Exhibition from the Department of Biological Sciences, the Newark Museum, the Newark Public Library, and Dana Library
The John Cotton Dana Library at Rutgers University-Newark (RU-N) is currently featuring the exhibition, "Art of Ornithology: Campus Birds in Life and Illustration," until Nov. 21st in the Dana Lobby. The exhibition is free and open to the public.
Timed to coincide with the RU-N guided bird walks that take place in October, the exhibition gives a glimpse into the rich history of art and ornithology by blending books from the collections of the Newark Museum, the Newark Public Library, and the Rutgers University Libraries with photographs and data collected during the semi-annual bird walks. Inspired by the book, Extraordinary Birds, in the American Museum of Natural History’s series, Natural Histories, and authored by Paul Sweet, the display features illustrations of birds by artists such as John James Audubon, Alexander Wilson, and Mark Catesby. These images were crucial to scientists in their study of birds and the environments in which they lived. Later, in the 20th century, contemporary artists’ works were compiled in small format books that amateur birdwatchers could take with them into the field. Identification guides are still used by birdwatchers, both in print and as apps on their phones.
The curators, Claus Holzapfel, William A. Peniston and Ann Vreeland Watkins, represent the RU-N Department of Biological Sciences, the Newark Museum, and the John Cotton Dana Library, respectively. Nadine Sergejeff, special collections librarian at the Newark Public Library, and Michael Joseph of the Special Collections and University Archives, Rutgers University Libraries, made significant contributions.
The exhibition is on view during all of the Library's open hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 12 a.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday, 12 to 8 p.m. Dana Library' is at 185 University Ave, Newark, NJ. For directions and parking information, please go to http://www.newark.rutgers.edu/maps-and-directions
An accompanying program, “The Nature We Share at Rutgers University – Newark,” will feature presentations by graduate students in the Department of Biological Sciences. It will take place on Thursday, Nov. 12th, from 2-3:30pm in the Dana Room on Dana Library’s 4th floor.
For more information, please contact Ann Watkins, 973/353-3809, or ann.watkins@rutgers.edu