STE. GENEVIEVE – John James Audubon–the most famous artist who ever lived in Ste. Genevieve–is best remembered for his masterpiece, “The Birds of America,” drawn and painted from life in the era before photography. The collection of 435 life-sized, hand-painted engravings is the most expensive art book in history.
The Sainte Genevieve Art Guild will celebrate his accomplishments on April 22, 23 and 24 when the organization hosts a series of events that also mark Audubon’s 237th birthday.
“The event falls between Earth Day on April 22 and Audubon’s April 26 birthday–and that’s so appropriate,” says Carolyn Bach, president of the Art Guild. “Audubon has been called the father of American ecology because of his published concerns about man’s effects on nature. And of course his artistic accomplishments were amazing.”
The celebration kicks off with the opening of an art exhibit by Guild members titled “Inspired by Nature.” On the 22nd visitors to the gallery show will have a chance to share Audubon’s birthday cake.
A major highlight pf the weekend will be the Saturday night premiere and Sunday matinee of the original musical play “Hope is a Shy Bird: Stories from the life of John James Audubon.” The play will be presented by the Sainte Genevieve Theatre Guild.
“It’s a poignant and entertaining script, written by local playwright Kristen Chibitty, and we’re pleased to sponsor the production,” Bach says. “Some two dozen characters use Audubon’s own words to describe his adventures. The music involves a masterful blending of original lyrics with traditional French folk tunes. It’s a delightful production.”
The play will be performed on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 4 p.m. at the Valle High School gymnasium at 40 N. 4th Street.
On Saturday morning early birds can participate in a nature walk at the new Ste. Genevieve Levee Wildlife Refuge, led by a member of the World Bird Sanctuary.
Guild headquarters will also display replicas of Audubon’s 1806 partnership contract with Ferdinand Rozier (the contract was broken in April, 1811, shortly after both men landed in Ste. Genevieve), along with portraits Audubon made of local citizens (and birds) to help raise enough money to publish his masterpiece.
Talks on recent research into Audubon are scheduled on Friday and Saturday. Other events include a birdhouse contest honoring Audubon, with People’s Choice voting for the best birdhouse. And a local restaurant named for Audubon has added a special entree to its menu during the weekend.
The exhibits and talks will take place at the Sainte Genevieve Art Center & Art Museum at 310 Merchant Street. More information and a schedule of weekend events can be found at artstegen.org or the Sainte Genevieve Art Guild Facebook page.
Information on activities scheduled by the local French militia group also can be found at visitstegen.com.
The opening of the Audubon show at the Art Guild coincides with the town’s April 4th Friday Art Walk, with art spaces throughout the downtown open from 6pm to 9pm.
The Audubon celebration is funded in part by the Arts and Education Council.