Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center - Juried In Association with the Smithsonian Institution presents Winging It: Bird Art
June 5 – August 23, 2026
13470 Dowell Rd, Solomons, MD 20688
Juror, Saul Drake, Exhibits Project Director, Smithsonian Institution Traveling Exhibitions Services
About Winging It: Bird Art
Annmarie is committed to connecting people to art and nature. Through a wide variety of engaging exhibits, programs, classes, public projects, and annual events, Annmarie opens up opportunities for creativity, collaboration, and reflection. By providing opportunities for visitors to experience and engage in imaginative activities, they seek to nurture the human spirit and contribute to a healthy society.
This exhibition aims to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and symbolism of birds as interpreted through artistic expression. Birds have long inspired artists with their graceful forms, vibrant plumage, and powerful associations with freedom, migration, and the rhythms of the natural world. From delicate songbirds hidden among garden branches to powerful raptors soaring high above open landscapes, this exhibition explores the many ways birds capture our imagination.
Why did I choose these pieces?
For this show, I chose to submit 3 pieces, and the one selected for the exhibition by juror Saul Drake was Eastern Blue Bird’s Rest, which was taken this winter at Stony Brook Audubon. I really appreciate that this specific piece was picked because of how playful and happy the birds seemed. This was taken by the reservoir overflow waterfall and they kept jumping between the industrial railing and the water below to refresh themselves on their migration from Canada. I also think that the crisp focus on the bird itself and the detailing leads to a great opportunity to examine the Eastern Blue Bird in a season where we tend not to find ourselves in nature as often.
Bring a sense of quiet hope into your home with this beautiful close-up of an Eastern Bluebird. The bird’s sky-blue back and warm orange breast provide a cheerful pop of color as it rests on a weathered, rusted metal railing. The soft-focus background ensures every detail of the bird’s delicate features is highlighted, making this an endearing and peaceful choice for a sunroom or gallery wall.
Medium: Photography, 2026
Limited Edition Print: 500, 8×12 Canvas
Exhibited at Annmarie Sculpture Garden & Arts Center, Juried In Association with the Smithsonian Institution for the Winging It: Bird Art Exhibition
Fun Facts About Eastern Blue Birds
The Eastern Bluebird live in open fields and parks. You can often see them sitting on low branches or fences looking for snacks.
They are very colorful. Male bluebirds have bright blue backs and a warm, red-brown color on their chests. Females are a bit different and have gray-blue feathers and a lighter orange color on their chests.
These birds love to eat insects like grasshoppers and crickets. In the winter, when bugs are hard to find, they eat berries instead. They build their nests in small holes, like those in old trees or in birdhouses made by people.
