Muskegon, Museum of Art

Bird Art Highlighted this Winter: Opening Reception Rescheduled to Dec. 17

Two exhibitions of bird-themed artwork, Birds in Art and Patterns of Flight: The Art of Catherine McClung, open at the MMA this week (unless the Museum closes, along with Muskegon Public Schools, due to weather).

The opening reception has been rescheduled to Thursday, December 17, 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.  The reception is free.

Birds in Art is a juried exhibition organized and toured annually by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wausaw, Wisconsin. Its subjects range from backyard feeder favorites to exotic species from around the world, interpreted by an international cast of 60 artists employing diverse styles and mediums. Each work reflects the universal appeal of birds and their tradition as a source of inspiration. Artists use their bird subjects as metaphors, to make ecological statements, or simply as objects of beauty. Birds in Art is filled with globetrotting themes. Roger Folk’s brown pelicans catch an updraft above California’s Big Sur coastline. From Africa comes Dino Paravano’s majestic crowned cranes, while Swedish artist Lars Jonsson portrays mountains and glaciers of Antarctica that render a small clutch of king penguins almost inconsequential. Birds in Art will be on display in the Muskegon Museum of Art's Walker Gallery A through February 14, 2010. The Muskegon showing is underwritten by Warner, Norcross & Judd LLP and the Folkert Family Foundation.

Patterns of Flight: The Art of Catherine McClung was organized to complement Birds in Art. More than 40 watercolors, book illustrations, and original Lenox™ tableware designs provide visitors with an overview of the broad range of creations by Catherine McClung. Born in Toronto, Canada, McClung now makes her home in Spring Lake where the area’s woods, waters, and meadows are her inspiration. This self-taught artist’s college years did not include a single art class. However, to nature lovers and china lovers, McClung’s name is a household word. She has painted a wide array of designs for Lenox™, and during the holiday season, thousands of china collectors and bird lovers display and dine on dinnerware decorated with her popular patterns.

In addition, more than 80 of McClung’s watercolor paintings of birds in their natural habitat have been released as limited edition prints. She was also commissioned by the departments of natural resources of seven states to create migratory bird posters. She represented Michigan with a birdhouse ornament for the White House Christmas tree and illustrated a children’s book called The Far Flung Adventures of Homer the Hummer. Perhaps McClung’s proudest achievement has been her selection for this year’s prestigious Birds in Art exhibition organized annually for national tour by the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. Patterns of Flight will be on display in the MMA's Walker Gallery B  through February 7, 2010. It is underwritten by the Patrick J. O’Leary Foundation.

Look to the MMA for weeks of near-perfect indoor birdwatching—no binoculars, bug spray, or birding field guides required!


RELATED PROGRAMS

Sunday, December 6, 2:00 pm
Cinema Sunday
The White Dove (Holubice)
This Czech film tells how the fate of a lost and injured white homing pigeon links a dreamy young girl in a fishing village on the Baltic coast and a frail young boy in the bustling heart of Prague. Free for MMA members or with paid admission.

December 12, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Super Bird Saturday
Free Family Fun Day Explore Birds in Art and Patterns of Flight: The Art of Catherine McClung with a Museum docent, shimmy and shake with the cool Happy Feet movie penguins, and make festive bird pop-up cards and fabric ornaments.

Thursdays, December 10 & 17, January 7–28
1:00–3:00 pm
Open Tours
Drop in and enjoy guided exhibition tours of Birds in Art. Reservations are not required. Free.

Saturday, January 16, 10:00 am –12:30 pm
Decorative Bird House Adult Art Class
Create your own decorative birdhouse with the guidance of noted bird and nature artist Catherine McClung. $35/$30 MMA members. Call 231.720.2571 by 1/8/10 to register.

Saturday, January 23, 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Bird Mobiles Family Art Class
Use simple, classic hand-sewing techniques to create your own unique flock of birds. Then assemble the birds in mobiles. $20/$15 MMA members/$12 materials. Call 231.720.2571 by 1/15/10 to register.

Wednesday, February 3, 10:30 am
Patterns of Flight
Friends of Art Program
Join noted watercolor artist Catherine McClung for an informative gallery walk of her exhibition. Free and open to the public.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 30, 2009

VISITOR INFORMATION

The Muskegon Museum of Art is located at 296 W. Webster Ave. in downtown Muskegon. Call 231-720-2570 or visit www.muskegonartmuseum.org for information.

Admission:
$5.00 (Free on Thursdays)
Free admission for MMA Members,
Students (with I.D.) and ages 17 and under.
Extra admission may be charged for special exhibitions and events.

Winter Hours:
SUN noon-4:30pm
MON closed
TUES closed
WED 10am-4:30pm
THURS 10am-8:00pm
FRI 10am-4:30pm
SAT 10am-4:30pm