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Link to Previous Shows:

Drawing From Nature, 1999
The 4th Dimension, 2000
A Continuous Thread, 2000
Elemental Interpretations, 2001
Alaska Gold, 2001
California Paintings, 2002
Of Myth and Memory, 2002
Puppets of the World, 2003
Inspired Objects, 2003
Northwest Coast Indian Art Traditions, 2003
GHM Current Exhibit

December 6, 2003 to February 1, 2004 "Red-Billed Tropicbird" (Phaethon aethereus) - This seabird is found on the isolated rocks and small islands off the coast of southern California. Andrew Jackson Grayson followed the arduous Overland Trail to California in 1846 to find a new life for himself and his family. What he discovered instead was his old love of art and nature. Though little-known today, Grayson (1818-1869) became the foremost field ornithologist and bird painter of his era. His life and extraordinary work is the subject of the traveling exhibition, "Audubon of the West: Andrew Jackson Grayson". Andrew Jackson Grayson was born in Louisiana and developed an interest in art and nature as a child. Forbidden by his father from pursuing art, Grayson eventually opened a small general store in his home state. In 1846 Grayson, his wife, and their infant son joined the migration west. In California, Grayson had a colorful career as a shopkeeper and real estate speculator. The turning point of his life came when his saw John J. Audubon's monumental work, Birds of America, which did not include birds of the west. Inspired, Grayson set out to make a systematic depiction of the birds from the Sierra Nevada to the Pacific Ocean. "Elf Owl" (Micrathene whitneyi) - This smallest of owls, no larger than a common swallow, breeds in southeast California but winters in Mexico. "Fulvous Whistling-Duck" (Dendrocygna bicolor) - These birds inhabit shallow freshwater ponds and subsist on the seeds of grass and weeds. "Least Bittern" (Ixobrychus exilis) - This painting compares favorably with Audubon's rendition of the same species. Largely self-taught, Grayson developed an exquisite dry-bush technique that won him awards and praise throughout his career. The "Audubon of the West" exhibit presents 38 color panels and plates from Grayson's Birds of the Pacific Slope. These plates and panels come from the full-size folio of bird portraits published by Arion Press in San Francisco. Biographical and interpretive materials explore Grayson's life and art and examine such themes as the study of birds, bird painting, and bird watching. Additionally, CD-ROM and video presentations examine the works of other bird painters and provide a broader context for appreciating Grayson's contribution to the study of birds of the American West. The exhibit is a magnificent example of the interaction between fine art, history, and science. It is sure to appeal to a wide audience, from school-age children to adults. The "Audubon of the West" exhibition tour is produced and sponsored by the California Exhibition Resource Alliance in partnership with the California Council for the Humanities. The exhibit was originated by the Napa Valley Museum and was made possible thanks to the Sun House Guild and the Belvedere Scientific Fund. "California Quail" (Callipepla californica) - Lithograph from a lost painting done in the Napa Valley in 1859 of California's state bird. (Courtesy of the Napa Valley Museum)

Audubon of the West: Andrew Jackson Grayson
Opening, Saturday, December 6, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
in conjunction with The Sun House Guild’s Annual Open House

The Peregrine Chapter of the Audubon Society will have an information table.

Peter W. Stearns will be signing his exceptional new photography book, A journey In Time, Mendocino County Wildflowers from noon to 3 p.m.

Holiday Open House
Saturday, December 6, 2003, 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sun House and Grace Hudson Museum

Activites include:

• Guided Tours of the Sun House, decorated for Christmas
• Free Admission
• Visit with Santa Claus
• Live Christmas Music
• 15% off all Museum Store Merchandise
• Refreshments
• "Audubon of the West: Andrew Jackson Grayson" Exhibit

Shop for the Holidays:

• Buy Christmas bay wreaths and wired garlands for holiday decorating
• Create your own gift baskets filled with delicious specialty items from local businesses
• McFadden Farms
• P.J.'s Gourmet and Stroh Ranch
• Fetzer Vineyards
• Got Fruit
• Ackerman's Fine Food
• Wind & Weather
• Joan's Toffee
• Carol Hall's Hot Pepper Jelly Company
• Potter Valley Soap Works
• Hoyman & Browe Studio - Earthenware Potters

All sales benefit the Grace Hudson Museum and Sun House.

Slide Lecture, Tuesday, January 13, 2004 - 7 p.m. “Grayson’s California North Coast Birds & Their Current Status” by Matthew Matthiessen and Robert J. Keiffer, Public room, free.

Slide Lecture, Tuesday, January 20,2004 - 7 p.m. “History of Andrew Jackson Grayson” by Andrew Hoyem, founder of Arion Press and publisher of Grayson’s portfolio “Birds of the Pacific Slope,” Public Room, free.

Birding Trip, Saturday, January 24, 2004 - 7 a.m. Join the Audubon Society Peregrine Chapter on a field trip to Sacramento Valley. Carpools leave from Longs Parking Lot, 155 S. Orchard St., Ukiah. Peregrine Audubon Chapter: 707 462-5734

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Link to previous shows:
Drawing From Nature, 1999
The 4th Dimension, 2000
A Continuous Thread, 2000
Elemental Interpretations, 2001
Alaska Gold, 2001
California Paintings 1910 - 1940, 2002
Of Myth and Memory, 2002
Puppets of the World, 2003
Inspired Objects, 2003
Northwest Coast Indian Art Traditions, 2003
GHM Current Exhibit