On Friday evening, June 27, from 5:00 to 7:30 PM, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute will host a public reception and program by acclaimed wildlife artist Cole Johnson. Cole’s work is among those featured in the current exhibition at RTPI, Environmental Impact, which runs through July 6. The June 27 reception and program are free and open to the public; donations are appreciated. An avid outdoorsman, Cole has lived in upstate New York his entire life and resides in the Catskill Mountain region. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at State University of New York at Buffalo in 1991. His chosen medium is graphite powder, which he uses to render incredibly lifelike drawings of his favorite subjects, which include white-tailed deer, trout, wild turkey, hunting dogs and waterfowl.
Cole Johnson – NYSEG’s Victim (New York State Electric and Gas Line and Red-tail Hawk) 2011, Graphite, 40 x 50 inches
Cole is a signature member of the Society of Animal Artists, a select group dedicated to “promoting excellence in the portrayal of creatures sharing our planet.” His works have been included in such prestigious shows as the National Arts for the Parks Competition and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s Birds in Art exhibition, as well as RTPI. At the June 27 reception guests can tour the exhibition while enjoying refreshments and meet Cole, RTPI staff and volunteers, all in the Institute’s beautiful surroundings. The evening will be capped by a special program in which Cole will discuss his unique style and demonstrate the techniques that have brought him acclaim as one of the top graphite artists in the world.
In addition, on Saturday, June 28, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Cole will be on hand at the Painted Finch Gallery, 508 East Columbus Avenue (Route 6), Corry, Pennsylvania, where visitors can meet the artist and view his works available for purchase. For more information call the gallery at 814-664-3053. RTPI is located at 311 Curtis Street in Jamestown and is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Sundays 1:00 to 5:00 PM. For more information please call 716-665-2473 or see this page for directions and additional contact details.
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator
