Today is Endangered Species Day for 2018. "Out of the Shadows" portrays the African wild dog, which is estimated at only about 6600 animals left in the wild. They are susceptible to many dangers, not least of which loss of habitat and the spread of canine distemper, which can wipe out an entire pack due to their being highly social creatures. I've been fortunate enough to spend time with these 'painted dogs' in Botswana and treasure memories of a wonderful morning spent following a pack through the Okavango Delta. 

Early May always comes with several connotations - signs of spring and the knowledge that the annual jury for the Internationally respected exhibition, Birds in Art, the flagship exhibition of the Woodson Art Museum, has taken place and the announcement of the works and artists who 'made the cut' is made. Since being named a Master in 2013, I've been able to avoid the jury process and just send in a work to be included at the opening in September. This year, that work is " 'Twas There I Spent My Callow Youth ", shown below, image size is 11" x 23". I'll be heading to Wisconsin and the opening weekend events for the 2018 edition of Birds in Art in early September to join those of the other 120 plus artists who will also be flying into central Wisconsin for that heady fall weekend of museum events.