Past Exhibitions at the Museum of American Bird Art
Past exhibitions have explored artworks by a wide range of artists, from Audubon to Warhol, and from folk and sporting art to field guide illustration and contemporary wildlife photography.
What It's Like to Be a Bird—Paintings by David Sibley
October 16, 2020 – June 6, 2021
David Sibley is America's pre-eminent field guide artist and author, and this exhibit features more than 40 original paintings from his newest book.
The Peace of Wild Things—Herons & Egrets Through the Lens of B.A. (Tony) King
September 28, 2019 – February 9, 2020
Tony King (1934-2017) felt a particular affinity for herons and egrets, and this exhibit reveals the photographer's devotion to his subjects and the habitats that sustain them.
The Shorebird Decoys of Gardner & Dexter
July 13 – October 31, 2019
This exhibit displays decoys from the extraordinary rig of Dr. Clarence T. Gardner and Simon Newton Dexter.
Under Pressure—Birds in the Printed Landscape
June 15 – September 15, 2019
Sherrie York is celebrated for her vibrant linocut and woodblock prints capturing the beauty of birds in their natural surroundings.
Waterbirds: Paintings, Prints, & Sculpture From Mass Audubon's Collection
January 28, 2018 – June 2, 2019
Encounter four centuries of art depicting the many and varied bird species that flourish in watery habitats in this exhibit featuring the rare opportunity to view artworks from Mass Audubon’s extraordinary collection.
John James Audubon: An Introduction
November 10, 2018 – July 7, 2019
This small exhibit provides a lively introduction to the art of John James Audubon (1785-1851), the legendary artist who brought American birds to a world audience.
On the Wing: Artworks from the Museum of American Bird Art
June 1, 2018 – February 24, 2019
MABA is delighted to partner with Historic New England (HNE) by sharing artworks from its collection in this exhibit at HNE's extraordinary 1878 Eustis Estate in Milton. The exhibition features a small selection of paintings, prints, and sculpture spanning three centuries and a variety of styles and mediums.
Arthur Singer: The Wildlife Art of an American Master
March 10 – April 19, 2018
Visitors to our gallery can now enjoy an exhibit of 11 selected works of art and field guide illustrations by Arthur Singer, one of the world’s finest illustrators and painters of birds.
Perched On a Page
October 1, 2017 – January 14, 2018
Perched On a Page portrays the daily life of birds, captured by artist Debby Kaspari sketching them in the faraway—and not-so-faraway—corners of the world.
In a Natural State
May 21 – September 17, 2017
In a Natural State features nearly 50 stunning new watercolors by Barry Van Dusen, each celebrating the flora and fauna of Mass Audubon's 56 wildlife sanctuaries.
Recent Acquisitions 2016
October 22, 2016 - September 30, 2017
2016 was a banner year for gifts of art at the Museum of American Bird Art, and this small exhibit presents 11 of the 42 artworks received as gifts or bequests.
Birdscapes: Recent Oil Paintings by James Coe
January 29 – May 14, 2017
Birdscapes: Recent Paintings by James Coe features nearly three dozen oil paintings that represent a now fully-realized personal style that is less about bird painting and more an exultation of the artist's experiences in nature.
The Art of the Miniature: Rare Carvings by the Masters
October 1, 2016 - January 15, 2017
The Art of the Miniature features rare works by six masters of miniature bird carving: Jess Blackstone, Elmer Crowell, A. J. Dando, A. J. King, Joseph Lincoln and Robert Morse. These rare carvings will be on exhibit through January 15, 2017.
"The Finest Decoys Ever Produced": The Shorebirds of John Dilley
July 15 - October 15, 2016
The exquisitely crafted shorebird decoys of John Dilley were promoted in Henry C. Squires’ 1890 catalogue as “the finest decoys ever produced,” and few connoisseurs would argue that point.
Baby Birds: An Artist Looks into the Nest - Watercolors by Julie Zickefoose
April 30-September 18, 2016
Peek into the nests of seventeen bird species with Julie Zickefoose: author, artist, naturalist, and wildlife rehabilitator.
Life on the Leaf Edge: Photographs of Native Caterpillars
January 31-April 24, 2016
Sam Jaffe’s spectacular photographs of New England caterpillars reveal their astonishing beauty, reminding us that we don’t need to venture far from home to be captivated by nature’s wonders.
Larry Barth: Birds, Art & Design
September 19, 2015 - January 18, 2016
Birds, Art & Design is a new exhibition organized in conjunction with Barth’s much-anticipated new book of the same title. It presents a comprehensive gathering of his recent work, on loan from collectors and museums across North America.
A Naturalist’s Eden: Don Richard Eckelberry’s Birds of Trinidad & Tobago
May 23-September 7, 2015
A Naturalist’s Eden is an exhibition of rarely seen watercolors by Don Richard Eckelberry, one of the legendary American bird artists of the 20th century.
Wondrous / Strange: Photographs by Sharon Beals
January 25 - May 10, 2015
Wondrous/Strange presents Sharon Beals stunning photographs from two very different subject areas.
Classic American Bird Carving: An Introduction
January 22, 2015 - July 18, 2016
This exhibit displays decoys and decorative carvings from some of the masters of the craft, including Elmer Crowell, Melvin Lawrence, Benjamin Pease and A. J. King.
Looking Closely: The Art of Observation
September 28, 2014 - January 11, 2015
Artworks made from direct observation by five internationally recognized artists: Larry Barth, Lars Jonsson, Jenny Keller, Clare Walker Leslie and David Sibley.
Painting Birds to Save Them: The Critical Role of Art in the Bird Conservation Movement
June 1- September 14, 2014
This exhibition traces the history of bird conservation from its beginnings to the present era, using a selection of the exquisite works of art that convinced the public that birds were worth saving.
A Life List in Silkscreen: The Art of Anne S. Faust
January 26 - May 18, 2014
Silkscreen prints of birds by Anne Faust will be on display beginning in January. Anne Faust’s vibrant silkscreens display her deep knowledge of birds and their habitats as well as her mastery of this compelling medium.
Birds as Art: The Bird Photography of Arthur Morris
September 29, 2013 – January 12, 2014
Arthur Morris is a freelance nature photographer, teacher, and writer specializing in birds.
Massachusetts Masterpieces: The Decoy as Art
May 5 – September 15, 2013
No other region engendered such aesthetic quality and diverse styles of decoy carving as Massachusetts. For this exhibition, consulting curator Gigi Hopkins will select the best of the best, bringing together an unrivaled group of carvings that reveal the sculptural skill of Massachusetts’ master carvers.
Only Owls
January 27 - April 21, 2013
Owls are fascinating creatures. Quiet and carnivorous, with masterful hearing and eyesight, these mysterious birds have inspired artists throughout time.
Nests, Eggs, Heartbreak & Beauty: The Rarest of American Ornithological Books
September 30, 2012 - January 13, 2013
A rare 19th-century book, with stunning illustrations and a dramatic history, was donated to Mass Audubon in June, and now an exhibition has been organized around it.
Private Passions: The Art of Collecting
May 20 - September 16, 2012
This exhibition explores some remarkable collections of art inspired by nature—and the stories of the people who brought them together. L
Unfamiliar Faces: Photographs of Vanishing Wildlife by Kevin Schafer
January 29 – May 13, 2012
Photographs of Vanishing Wildlife by Kevin Schafer.
True to Life: The Art of Robert Verity Clem
October 2, 2011 - January 15, 2012
Robert Verity Clem’s art is all about the experience of observing birds in their habitats.
A.J. King: Exquisite Miniatures
May 28 - September 25, 2011
Our spring exhibition will feature the unmatched miniature bird carvings of A. J. King (1881-1963).
Ink, Internet & Identification: Catherine Hamilton as Artist & Curator
January 16 - May 15, 2011
Catherine Hamilton says she was “pretty much born with a pencil as an extra appendage,” and grew up in the canyons and mountains of Altadena, California.
Life on the Edge: Adélie Penguins – Photographs by Chris Linder
October 3, 2010 - January 9, 2011
Visitors to Life on the Edge: Adélie Penguins will see photographs of penguins building nests, feeding their chicks, and battling the increasing storms.
Patterns in the Wild: Woodcuts by Andrea Rich
May 6 - September 19, 2010
The stunning woodcuts of internationally recognized artist Andrea Rich will be featured. This is the first solo exhibition on the East Coast for the acclaimed California artist, who uses the complex reduction method to produce her bold, richly textured woodcut compositions.
Isaac Sprague and the Art of Discovery
January 31 - May 2, 2010
Massachusetts artist Isaac Sprague was one of the greatest American bird and botanical artists of the 19th century, working alongside two giants of natural science, artist-naturalist John James Audubon and Harvard botanist Asa Gray.
The Art of Identification: Field Guide Paintings by David Sibley
September 27, 2009 - January 17, 2010
Beginning with early childhood drawings of birds through his most recent full-color field guide illustrations of trees, the works selected for the exhibition show how drawings are tools to encourage observation and help in identification. That process of discovery and understanding is the ultimate goal of Sibley’s field sketching.
Landscapes Discovered: Pastels of New England by Cindy House
May 14 - September 13, 2009
Pastel landscapes by Cindy House.
Elmer Crowell: Master of Decoys & More
September 27, 2008 – May 10, 2009
This exhibition showcases some of the best work of A. Elmer Crowell (1862-1952) of East Harwich, far and away the most gifted bird carver and decoy maker of his generation.
Ocean Wild: The Underwater Photography of Brian Skerry
May 18 - September 21, 2008
Ocean Wild features the exciting work of National Geographic Magazine photographer Brian Skerry, whose images have become synonymous with underwater awareness.