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Current Exhibition
Private Passions: The Art of Collecting
May 20-September 16
What motivates an art collector? This exhibition explores some remarkable collections of art inspired by nature—and the stories of the people who brought them together.
Gathered here are artworks collected by 14 individuals, as well as a local fishing club. Some of these are now part of Mass Audubon’s collection, while others are still privately held. The collectors have diverse motivations and backgrounds: artist, duck hunter, art historian, birder, author, fisherman, conservationist, and more. In Private Passions, they generously share some of the objects of their fascination.
Artworks on view will include an 18th century etching by Mark Catesby, a legendary Canada Goose decoy by Charles Safford, miniature loons and seals by two Inuit master carvers, and watercolors by the leading contemporary European wildlife artists.
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| Hooping Crane by Mark Catesby from The Natural History of Carolina, Florida and the Bahama Islands, 1731 |
Frog by Leonard Baskin from A Little Book of Natural History, linoleum cut, 1951 |
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Current Exhibition
A. Elmer Crowell - A Sampling
Elmer Crowell (1862-1952), of East Harwich, on Cape Cod, was far and away the most gifted bird carver and decoy maker of his generation. His work is prized by collectors for sheer beauty of form, detailed carving, and masterful, subtle brushwork.
Due to the substantial interest in our 2009 exhibition, A. Elmer Crowell: Master of Decoys & More, we have produced an ongoing exhibit featuring a small, but select sampling of his work. On view are an early pair of Green-winged Teal, recent gifts to Mass Audubon by an anonymous donor, and made by Crowell for one of his early patrons, Harry V. Long. In addition, visitors will see two magnificent decoratives on loan from the collection of Alexander Figge: a Curlew and a Yellowlegs preening a feather. Also on display is an array of the miniature bird carvings for which Crowell became so well known. Back to top
About the Visual Arts Center
The Mass Audubon Visual Arts Center is Mass Audubon's art museum, offering exhibitions and programs that connect people and nature through art. Exhibitions are open Tuesday-Sunday, 1-5 pm. Trails through the 124-acre wildlife sanctuary are open Tuesday-Sunday and Monday holidays, 9 am - 5 pm. Admission is free to Mass Audubon members. Non-member fees are $4 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. For information: 781-821-8853 or visual-arts@massaudubon.org.
Address:
963 Washington Street
Canton, MA 02021
781-821-8853
Directions to the Visual Arts Center
Visit the Museum Gift Shop!
Visit the Museum Gift Shop and find an array of unique gifts, as well as original art, books, stationery and educational toys. We offer special discounts to Mass Audubon members. Proceeds from your purchase support the Mass Audubon Visual Arts Center's ongoing education and conservation efforts.
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