Here are a bunch of photos taken during the opening events for the Society of Animal Artist’s 55th Annual Exhibition, Art and the Animal, at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute of Natural History in Jamestown, New York.

A beautiful arrangement on a gorgeous evening! In the background are Linda Pierce, RTPI Development Associate, who did a fantastic job arranging so much of this superb event, and Claire Johnson, who assisted in the preparing exhibition and the evening

Thanks CHQ Local Food! Looking great! http://www.chqlocalfood.com/

Lee Peterson, son of Roger Tory Peterson and Vice-chair of the RTPI Board of Trustees, continuing his work as a judge for the exhibition

RTPI President Twan Leenders speaking with William R. Hackney III, Chair of the RTPI Board of Trustees

Roger’s sons, Lee and Tory Peterson, speaking with Twan before guests arrive

RTPI Board Member, and previous Chair, Dick Redington with his wife Caran

Be sure to stop by our nature store to pick up some “Art and the Animal” items and much more

Tiffany Miller Russell and Calvin Nicholls, two paper sculpture artists with work on display now at RTPI, posing by Tiffany’s beautiful piece

New York State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Assembly District 150, greeting guests

RTPI Research Associate Peter Beeson with Birgit Freybe Bateman and the legendary naturalist and renowned artist Robert Bateman

Chef Darrin Pocza speaking with an engrossed audience

Wild edible expert Harold Reynolds

Chef Garrett Taylor, a mushroom hunter and lover, in action

Southern Tier Brewing Company was on hand with the drinks

On the left is Amy Hudson, RTPI Visitor & Administrative Services Assistant, greeting and checking in guests after a busy day of preparation while, Becky Butryn, RTPI Administrative Assistant/Accounting, was handling the store and door

RTPI Board Member Jonathan Weston of Panama Rocks (http://www.panamarocks.com/) and RTPI Communications Coordinator Melanie Smith

Our wonderful friends and donors Pat and Bob Sundell, a man who knows seemingly every bird that was ever in Chautauqua County, viewing the galleries
Our deep and heartfelt thanks go out to all of our fantastic guests for making the Art and the Animal opening so enjoyable and truly memorable. Thanks again to RTPI Communications & Public Programs Coordinator Jane Johnson for leading the charge on getting Art and the Animal set for the world to enjoy. If you did not make it to RTPI yet please come see this exciting exhibition on display now through October 25, 2015. We will see you soon!
Scott Kruitbosch
Conservation & Outreach Coordinator