Pennsylvania wildlife and nature artists will migrate to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for the Annual Hawk Mountain Art Show and Sale held in the Sanctuary Visitor Center on September 22 and 23 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.

“There’s nothing like enjoying art in the scenic beauty of Hawk Mountain,” says organizer and participating artist Dave Hughes, who also is a volunteer naturalist and counter at the Sanctuary. Many of Hughes’ own pieces have been inspired by the Sanctuary and its annual flight of migrating hawks.

“This is a great time to see migration and to enjoy early autumn weather,” he adds. Trail fees for non-members cost $8 for adults and seniors on September, October and November weekends, and $4 for children ages 6 to 12. Members are always admitted free.

Participating artists will include wildlife painter Dan Christ, Kempton; commercial illustrator Patrick Gnan, Elverson; wildlife painter Dave Hughes, Schuylkill Haven; antique style decoy carver Jeff Keiffer, Muncy; wildlife painter Bob McGee, Macungie; wildfowl carver Chris Murray, Pottstown; stoneware potters Sandra and Bill Jones, Reading; metal sculptor Joanne Minnick, Orwigsburg; wildlife photographer Phil Campbell, Lehighton; Pennsylvania Duck Stamp winner Gerald Putt; and nature photographer Melanie Hummer, Lancaster.  Some artists will work on pieces during the show, demonstrating and discussing their techniques.

Other programs held during the sale will include M&T Bank’s signature live hawk program, “Raptors Up Close!” at 10 a.m., noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in the Outdoor Amphitheater.

An intro to birding and optics use is held near the South Lookout at 9 am and 11 am, as is an overview of raptor “Tracking and Tracking.”

Trained biologists and flight experts are stationed all day at the Sanctuary’s famed North Lookout to announce and point out to visitors approaching migrants, and to also keep a systematic tally of the species that pass.

Open year-round, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the world's first refuge for birds of prey and an international center for raptor conservation. Its eight miles of trails and half a dozen scenic overlooks are open to the public for a modest trail fee, or for membership purchase.

An average of 18,000 hawks, eagles and falcons are recorded each autumn as they migrate past Hawk Mountain.  

 Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is located just three miles south of New Ringgold on Route 895, and is 7 miles north of the I-78/Route 61 Cabela’s intersection.

To learn more please visit the Hawk Mountain website or call 610-756-6961.

NewsClip: Artists Preparing For Hawk Mountain Air Show Sept. 22-23

9/17/2012