COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Mar. 15, 2022) — The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) is pleased to present “Reframing ‘Birds of America’: Conversations on Audubon,” on view from Apr. 8–July 30, 2022.
“Reframing ‘Birds of America’: Conversations on Audubon” explores the historic prints of John James Audubon’s book “Birds of America,” generally considered to be among the finest examples of prints illustrating avian life in the country, through a contemporary lens. The prints selected for the exhibition come from the Fine Arts Center’s collection of several hundred Audubon prints and includes rarely seen examples.
The display of prints bear witness to the natural beauty of America’s birds while also offering rich opportunities to reflect on current debates and issues around Audubon and his Birds of America project. Through a multi-vocal approach, the show foregrounds the viewer as an active participant in creating meaning and exploring the problematic context in which the prints were created, including questions of ecology, gender roles, naturalists’ practices, and colonial history.
The exhibition, curated by Colorado College students, lends a unique real-world learning experience to students in the college’s museum studies program. Working alongside FAC museum staff, students involved in the project were able to learn firsthand the multiple facets of putting on a museum exhibition. Curated by Colorado College Students, Sarah Bedell ’24, Clay Bessire ‘22, Kate Brush ‘23, Jeremy Cashion ’24, Adrianna Gautreaux ’23, Celaya Hudnut ’22, Madeline Perigaut ’22, Kira Smith ’25, Daya Stanley ‘22. Project leads are professor Rebecca Tucker, Colorado College art department and Robyn Haynie, Fine Arts Center head of collections.
“This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to experience these rarely shown works in a new light,” said Kate Brush ’23 with Sarah Bedell ’24. Jeremy Cashion ’24 adds, “It is constantly and incredibly energizing for our work to be so hands on, especially since we can appreciate the beauty of the works while challenging their more problematic aspects.”
VISIT THE FAC MUSEUM
Reservations to visit the museum are available at fac.coloradocollege.edu or through the FAC box office at (719) 634-5583.
Museum free days are offered the second Saturday and third Friday of each month.
PLEASE NOTE: Exposure to COVID-19 is possible in public places. The FAC and Colorado College continue to closely monitor developments in the outbreak of respiratory illness caused by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and plan for impacts that may affect FAC and campus operations. More information available on the Colorado College website.
ABOUT THE FINE ARTS CENTER MUSEUM
The FAC Museum’s permanent collection of approx. 20,000 objects showcases the rich history and vibrant contemporary cultures of the Southwest and the Americas, containing works of art from Native America, Hispanic and Spanish Colonial New Mexico, and 20th and 21st-century America.
Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College
The story of the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center at Colorado College (FAC) began with the founding of the Broadmoor Art Academy 1919. A museum, performing arts theatre, and community art school, the FAC is a pillar in the cultural community of the Rocky Mountain West providing innovative, educational, and multi-disciplinary arts experiences designed to elevate the individual spirit and inspire community vitality. The FAC and Colorado College recognize and honor the original inhabitants of the land on which it resides. For more information about the FAC, visit fac.coloradocollege.edu or follow on Facebook @CSFineArtsCenter.