‘Art of Identification’ Showcases Beauty of Birds at UM Museum

Artist David Allen Sibley to visit campus for events in early April

OXFORD, Miss. – The diversity and beauty of North American bird life are on display at the University of Mississippi Museum, where a collection of watercolors by self-taught bird illustrator, ornithologist and author David Allen Sibley is open for viewing.

“The Art of Identification” runs through Sept. 7 at the museum. An opening reception is set for 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday (Feb 28).

Sibley’s book, “The Sibley Guide to Birds” is an acclaimed reference work and field guide for the birds found in the continental United States and Canada. This exhibition presents a wide range of his bird illustrations in the form of painted multiples on a single sheet.

“David exhibits in museums very infrequently, so this is a particularly great opportunity for Oxford and campus audiences to have close, firsthand encounters with his brilliant ornithological artistry,” said Robert Saarnio, University Museum director.

Sibley plans to visit the museum April 2 for a “Meet the Artist and Gallery Walkthrough” from 7 to 9 p.m. He also will conduct a step-by-step workshop at 5:30 p.m. April 4 and plans to visit with students and local birding groups while in Oxford.

For more information on “The Art of Identification” exhibit, visit https://museum.olemiss.edu/the-art-of-identification/.

The UM Museum, at the intersection of Fifth Street and University Avenue, is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays. Admission and parking are free. For more information on the museum and its exhibits, go to http://museum.olemiss.edu/.