Drawn Toward Birds: Sketching with Nancy Seefelt

Description

The program will focus on bird anatomy, with an emphasis on shape, color, habitat, and the specialization of bills, feet, and feathers. By participating in this program, birders and visual artists will improve their understanding of the natural world. This course may also prove beneficial for those interested in participating in citizen science projects. Please bring your favorite pencil and sketchbook, if you have them. We will have extra supplies available.

Dr. Nancy Seefelt: Nancy is a Michigan native who grew up in Sterling Heights, near Detroit. After high school, she enrolled at Central Michigan University (CMU) and discovered Beaver Island when she took a class at the CMU Biological Station. Nancy received her B.S. and M.S. degrees from CMU, and her doctorate from Michigan State University. She currently holds a faculty position in the Biology Department at CMU. Much of her research focuses on avian ecology, specifically the breeding biology of waterbirds (gulls, terns, herons and cormorants) in northern Lake Michigan and the stopover ecology of migrating songbirds along Lake Michigan shorelines. The migration work involves censusing, mist netting, and remote acoustical monitoring; the acoustic monitors also track the sounds of migratory bats. In addition, Nancy monitors the breeding activities of the endangered Piping Plover as part of the recovery program for this species.

Beaver Island Studio and Gallery: The Beaver Island Studio and Gallery was established in 2011 formally housed in the original McDonough Store building. The 4,500+ sq ft gallery is now located at 26435 Donegal Bay Rd., across the road from the Library. The gallery almost entirely carries island artists with 20+ artists represented, in addition to, Linda McDonough’s Antiques, Jewelry and gifts. There is also a vacation rental located on the gallery property. The gallery is owned by Kevin and Lois Stipp. Lois is an artist and art instructor. She has managed the Museum Week Art Show for many years and has taught summer art at the BI Community School. The gallery currently offers open Studio instruction, drawing and painting classes and workshops.

The gallery is a short walk, bike ride or drive from town on Donegal Bay Road.  Turn right at the hardware and head west. (If cycling or walking , you can switch to the bike trail after you cross the King’s Highway at the top of the hill.) Keep heading west and look for the gallery on the right just after passing the library on the left.