Celebrating Feathers and Flight: A Look at monca’s Avian Art Exhibition

Nestled in the heart of Northern California’s art scene, the Museum of Northern California Art (monca) has once again outdone itself with its latest exhibition, Avian Art. Running from January 26 to March 3, 2024, this exhibition has quickly become a centerpiece of local artistic expression, soaring to new heights in its fifth year.

The journey to Avian Art was as remarkable as the exhibition itself. Faced with the challenging task of selecting from an overwhelming 284 submissions, the jury meticulously curated the collection down to 85 exceptional pieces. This discerning process, though difficult due to the sheer volume of amazing work, has resulted in a truly breathtaking showcase.

The final exhibition, featuring works from 59 talented artists from 19 different cities across Northern California, offers a kaleidoscopic view of the avian world. Each artist brings a unique interpretation to the theme, capturing the essence and spirit of birds through their individual artistic lenses.

Building on the success of the Snow Goose Art Exhibition, which began in 2019, monca has continued to demonstrate its commitment to highlighting the vibrant and varied art of the region. The Avian Art exhibition serves as a testament to the museum’s ongoing dedication to supporting and showcasing local artists.

The opening reception, a testament to the community’s support for the arts, saw at least 340 attendees. Visitors were treated to an array of artistic mediums – ceramics, fiber, quilting, painting, sculpture, assemblage, digital art, photography, printmaking, collage, jewelry, mixed media, glass, graphite, mosaic, encaustic, and cyanotype – each telling its own story of avian beauty.

A special highlight of the exhibition is the raffle of Joan Robins’ mesmerizing photograph on metal titled, The Rosy Dawn Begins. This stunning piece is representative of the quality and emotional depth present in the exhibition.

The drawing for the lucky winner will be held on March 3 at 2:00 PM. There’s still time to get enter the drawing!! Stop by monca and get your tickets now!

Avian Art is not just a display of artistic talent but also a reflection of the deep connection between artists and the natural world. As we celebrate the fifth year of this unique art exhibition, monca invites art enthusiasts, bird lovers, and the curious alike to explore this magnificent collection.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this artistic journey. Avian Art is more than just an exhibition; it’s a celebration of creativity, community, and the incredible beauty of our feathered friends.