Autumn and winter visitors to the National Sporting Library & Museum will have the rare opportunity to see stunning portrayals of birds, animals and fish created by contemporary artists whose work is informed by the tradition of early artist-naturalists.

These intimate studies are presented in two exhibitions: Contemporary Artist-Naturalists Robin Hill and Meg Page, October 12 – February 25, 2014, in the Museum and Teaming with Nature: James Prosek October 25, 2013 – January 30, 2014, in the Library.

There is a long tradition of viewing nature as both resource and partner among people who engage in equestrian, angling and field sports. Recent National Sporting Library & Museum exhibitions have explored Izaak Walton's ideas on the contemplation and celebration of nature; the emergence of the artist-naturalist; and the 19th century intersection between field sports and the evolution of conservation.

Contemporary artist-naturalists Robin Hill and Meg Page, both deeply connected to the natural world, continue in the spirit of Dürer, Catesby, Wilson and Audubon, rendering flora and fauna from near and afar.

Unlike their predecessors, however, who oftentimes found themselves cataloguing new species in a lush, abundant and untouched environment, Hill and Page as naturalists face the modern issue of documenting and preserving wildlife in a diminishing habitat.

"As artists, their exhibit of approximately thirty masterful and distinct interpretations distinguishes them from their peers and presents work that rises to the level of their forerunners," notes George L. Ohrstrom, Jr. Curator Claudia Pfeiffer.

Robin Hill and Meg Page will present gallery walks at the Museum on November 16, 2013, in conjunction with the Library symposium "Perspectives on Teaming with Nature."

On Saturday, November 16, 2013, the NSLM will present a symposium called "Perspectives on Teaming with Nature" that continues the tradition by exploring 21st century opportunities and challenges.

The symposium features acclaimed leaders who are deeply engaged with the natural world in their respective fields: scientist and conservationist Thomas E. Lovejoy; Smithsonian art historian Eleanor Jones Harvey; conservationist and historic preservationist Gerald Adelmann; and artist, writer, naturalist and conservationist James Prosek. Participants will be able to learn how these leaders have creatively "teamed" with nature in art history, conservation, science, historic preservation and the visual arts.

There will also be an opportunity to learn how to build broader awareness within one's own community, especially in museums and educational settings.

A variety of visitor opportunities are planned to support the all-day symposium, Saturday, November 16, 2013, that begins at 9:00 a.m. in the Founders' Room of the NSLM Library.

The speaker schedule includes Lovejoy, Adelmann, Harvey and Prosek speaking in the morning with Hill, Page, Roberts and Mathewes speaking in the afternoon.

Registration will opened on Tuesday, October 15th. The cost is $50.00 (NSLM members $35.00). Please call 540-687-6542 ext. 10 or email jsheehan@nsl.org. Limited seating.