Hawk Mountain Sanctuary unveils "Seasons of Hawk Mountain," an exhibit of original juried works by members of the Berks Art Alliance during an opening reception held May 15 from 6 to 8 pm in the Hawk Mountain Visitor Center.

The exhibit is free and will be on display May 1 through August 24, to honor the 80th anniversary of the founding of Hawk Mountain.

The Berks Art Alliance coordinated several group trips to Hawk Mountain over the past 18 months where artists captured in plein-air or from photography the scenes, feelings and messages inspired by the Sanctuary, its conservation legacy and its programs.

From these visits came works in a variety of media including watercolor, oil, collage, acrylic mixed media, pastel, pencil, ceramic, composite photography, mixed media, encaustic mixed media, mixed media on silk, and mixed media lettering.

Hawk Mountain President Jerry Regan says the exhibit is great show of partnership and illustrates the Sanctuary’s legacy in Berks County.

“Dozens of artists from the Berks Art Alliance made a connection at Hawk Mountain and translated their impressions into a wide variety of mediums. We’re excited to display this diversity of work during our 80th anniversary and I encourage everyone to stop by during the opening reception,” he says.

During the opening, drinks and light refreshments will be served, and attendees will have a chance to meet the artists, to see up close and learn about a live raptor, and to hear a short program by Reading Eagle reporter Susan Miers Smith who followed a group of artists throughout the year.

More than 50 entries were exhibited earlier this spring at the Yocum Gallery, Wyomissing, where juror Richard Ressel selected 30 pieces for a traveling exhibition. This smaller exhibit opens May 1 to August 28 at Hawk Mountain, and concludes in September at the Schmidt Gallery at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, Reading.

Those interested in attending the opening May 15 are asked to RSVP to Mary by sending email to: info@hawkmountain.org or 610-756-6961.

Celebrating 80 years in raptor conservation, Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is the world's first refuge for birds of prey and an international center for raptor conservation. The 2,500-acre Sanctuary, 8-mile trail system and Visitor Center is open to the public year-round. A trail fee or membership dues supports local to global conservation programs, including public education, professional training and scientific research programs.

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

5/5/2014