Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Naturescape Gallery presents "Resident Birds of Cape Cod" by Artist Joan Flahive

Naturescape Gallery at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History presents Resident Birds of Cape Cod by artist, Joan Flahive, May 1 -June 30, 2025, during Museum open hours. During the Covid lockdown, artist Joan Flahive’s only neighbors were the birds who frequented the feeders in her yard. Living in the woods, the feeders were busy. Eventually, as time went on, Joan began to identify many of the individuals: the differences in their personalities, their individual calls, and their appearances. She saw them not as little creatures flying around, but as residents of her yard and as her neighbors. Ideas for the bird portraits first resulted in an oversized painting of a Chickadee, the biggest little bird around. They have an enormous presence as do Titmice and Flickers, each in their own way. One painting became many as she enlarged them, so their details were easy to see. All her paintings are based on photographs by Rodney Silvia taken in her yard or close by on Cape Cod. After retiring as a high school art teacher in Western Massachusetts, Joan moved to Brewster which provided the inspiration and opportunity to transition from teacher to painter. Landscapes, sunsets, detailed architectural close-ups, and local birds comprise her usual subject matter. Joan graduated from College of the Holy Cross (BA, Visual Arts) and Our Lady of the Elms (MAT). Along the way, many of her paintings have won awards in both Western Massachusetts and the Cape, and her work has been juried on national exhibitions. Included with Museum Admission *Dates for the exhibition are subject to minor changes and may temporarily be unavailable due to Auditorium programing. Please call ahead. For more information, please call the Museum at 508-896-3867 ext. 133.