Last year, a groundbreaking report concluded that 3 billion, or 30 percent, of North America's birds have vanished since 1970. The report, published by the journal Science pointed mainly to habitat loss and pesticides as the leading causes.
Now, the Atlanta Audubon Society will call attention to the widespread loss with an exhibit at Duluth’s Hudgens Center for Art & Learning.
“Three Billion,” which will open on May 9, is a group show curator by artist and Brickworks Gallery owner Laura W. Adams.
The show will feature work that "delved in to the plight of birds, or whose work has celebrated nature and birds and their habitats," according to the Audubon society's website.
“All of the artists chosen have shown a long and strong commitment to protecting wild birds and their habitat,” according to the website.
The show will also include work from young artists. Kids and teens aged 18 and under are invited to participate in a collaborative exhibit called "#BringBirdsBack." Interested participants can submit a small piece of artwork to be included in the large-scale collage. Submissions must be made to Brickworks Galley by May 1.
The show, which will be on display until Aug. 1, is a chance to start a conversation about the loss of bird populations across the continent.
While a multitude of factors have played into the decline, the Audubon society is sharing some tips on everyday ways to help local bird populations. Those tips include: keeping cats indoors, planting native species in your yard and avoiding pesticide use.
They also encourage people to become avid birdwatchers and report what they see — noting that bird watchers are “one of science’s most vital sources of data on how the ecological world is faring.”
The show is free to attend, but folks are encouraged to register in advance in order to receive updates.
DETAILS
Opening reception for "Three Million"
2-4 p.m., Saturday, May 9
The Hudgens Center for Art & Learning
6400 Sugarloaf Parkway, Duluth
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