Birds are inspiring and generous in so many ways by gifting us with song, beauty, humor, and
inspiration while benefiting the environment. Some birds are pollinators, in turn providing us with food. Others provide pest control, saving crops and trees needed for lumber. Scavenging birds reduce disease outbreaks and recycle nutrients, while fruit-eating birds help spread seeds. Bird watching provides stress relief while helping our economy with its ecotourism.

These beautiful creatures are also vital for our survival since they are a mirror of our planet’s health. To the untrained eye, birds seem present everywhere. But sadly, their numbers have dramatically decreased – three billion since 1970!

The Palette Knife Artists of Miami are unified in alerting attention to the imperiled birds diminishing in front of our eyes because habitats are fragmented or eliminated by human development and agriculture. Multiple, complex environmental factors including pesticides, food sources, and climate change, as well as direct threats like outdoor cats and glass windows are also threatening birds from every angle. Their remaining habitat is paved, logged, eroded, or polluted. Whether resting in mangroves or nesting on a barrier island beach, birds need space, which is increasingly difficult to find.

In the hands of these twelve artists, the birds take on a whole new meaning as they become
transformed on canvas in rich colors, dramatic textures, and abstract forms. As our exhibit travels, we hope these paintings and photographs will serve to make a difference in the way people view and interact with birds and join us in our efforts to protect them. “Wings of Hope” emphasizes the delicate balance of nature, playing such a vital role in all our survival. We, as a society, must do whatever is necessary to preserve our birds for the benefit of many generations to come.

MayYap
Founder and Director- Palette Knife Artists of Miami