Press

(ALBANY, NEW YORK) Focus on Nature XII: Natural History Illustration opens April 28 at the New York State Museum, showcasing juried artwork by top illustrators from 15 countries, including some from the Capital District and Hudson Valley.

The local artists include James Gurney of Rhinebeck, the author and illustrator of the book series “Dinotopia,” which has appeared in 18 languages in more than 30 countries and sold two million copies. There also are illustrations by Sue Adair of Schenectady, David Wheeler of Mechanicville and Carol Woodin of Accord.

Open through December 31, 2012 in the Photography Gallery, this biennial juried exhibition has continued to grow over the past 24 years, both in scope and reputation. This year’s exhibition features 93 natural history illustrations, representing the work of 72 illustrators. These were selected from 503 entries, submitted by 219 artists, up from the 450 submissions by 186 artists in 2010. Approximately one-third of the artists whose work was selected were new to the entry process. Countries represented for the first time are Thailand, Germany, and Switzerland. Other artists participating are from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Colombia, England, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, South Korea, Spain, Portugal, and the USA.

The exhibition’s goals are to demonstrate the important role illustration has in natural science research and education, to stimulate curiosity about the world, and to bring clearly into focus images of nature that people might not otherwise be able to visualize. Many of the illustrations are created for field guides, textbooks, science articles and presentations.

The subjects represented in the exhibition are diverse, ranging from those only found in the artists’ home country to those that have a worldwide distribution. These include many animals familiar in New York State and the northeastern U.S. such as the Great Horned Owl, Eastern Chipmunk, Woodchuck, and many that live underwater in the Long Island Sound. There are illustrations of seaslugs, a Common Raven, and common garden plants, such as garlic and chard. Also included are the Eastern Pygmy Possum, the Dusky Moorhen, and the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, all mammals found only in Australia, and the Papagaios, a parrot found in certain parts of Brazil. There also is an Illuminated Netdevil -- fierce looking, but only 3-inches-long.

“The Focus on Nature XII exhibition is like no other in the world,” said Mark Schaming, director of the State Museum. “It continues a long New York State tradition of presenting cutting-edge illustrations that reflect the latest knowledge of natural history.”

“Natural history illustration is a field that requires keeping pace with changing technology, and knowledge, and Focus on Nature has evolved to reflect these changes” said Patricia Kernan, scientific illustrator at the Museum and exhibition organizer. “This year’s exhibition includes both digital and traditional illustrations. Whatever technique is used, the aim is for accuracy and clarity to communicate the result of natural history investigations.”

A five-member jury of artists and scientists selected the pieces on display, based on each of the illustration’s educational value and artistic quality. Jury Awards will recognize the outstanding achievement of these artists.

More information about Focus on Nature can be found at: http://www.nysm.nysed.gov/fon/ An online catalog with images and statements by the artists, as well as the names of Jury Award winners, will be available on this website after April 28. This information also will be in the exhibition gallery.

Established in 1836, the New York State Museum is a program of the State Education Department’s Office of Cultural Education. Located on Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Monday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day. Admission is free. Further information can be obtained by calling (518) 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

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