Nature & Wildlife Art Symposium

Our disconnection from animals and the land has led us to see nature as separate from ourselves, limiting our understanding of how deeply our survival and well-being are tied to healthy ecosystems. Wildlife fine art can bridge this gap, reminding us that we are not apart from the environment, but a living part of it.

Expert and/or artist-led talks, panel discussions, and interactive sessions will examine the role of wildlife art in shaping public perception of nature and conservation. The symposium will highlight how the evocative power of the John L. Wehle collection continues to captivate audiences and serve as a springboard for broader conversations about environmental stewardship, biodiversity, and the cultural significance of wildlife representation.

In addition to thought-provoking presentations and panel discussions centered on wildlife art’s role in shaping our understanding of nature, the symposium will uniquely integrate the museum’s Nature Center allowing participants to step directly from the gallery into the woods, meadows, and trails that inspire such art. This connection between visual representation and firsthand experience will ground the day’s themes in the living landscape, inviting reflection and renewal.

This one-day symposium will spotlight three exciting speakers, including Keith Tidball (Assistant Director, Cornell Cooperative Extension), Marcus Rosten (WNY Wildway Director), and Katelyn Davis (Designer & Illustrator)