Jamestown’s Sanctuary for Natural History
By Darlene Mae O’Connor
I could not have imagined the “Bird’s Eye View” our photographer Jon Elder and I were given this past Monday afternoon. It isn’t the seeing that inspires belief, it is in the experience where believing begins. What an incredible experience it turned out to be. I am quoting Mr. David Niles, the Roger Tory Peterson Institutes Programs and Events Manager, when he said, “Walk through our door and let your soul explore”. We had barely come through the main entrance of this magnificent structure and already I was having a spiritual encounter. Greeted by enormous pillars of ancient pines I was immediately filled with the sense that we were standing on hallowed ground. The space between human existence and the universe seemingly disappears and you are transformed.
Situated just behind the Jamestown Community College Campus and surrounded by the trees and trails that first inspired a young Roger Tory Peterson, the Institute pays homage to the spirit and the calling of Mr. Peterson and serves our community in immeasurable ways. It is no surprise to me that JCC works with the Institute to ensure its place and promote its promise. As an alum of the Community College in the SUNY system, I knew right away this was going to be good. In truth…indescribable!
I am again reminded how it is people tend to take for granted what is right under their noses and in this I am preaching to the choir. In my mid-20’s I was told by my physician that I should consider relocating to a warmer climate. I spent 30 years living in and exploring Florida and I can tell you Roger Tory Peterson is the most revered artist in the area of field guide’s for bird and nature enthusiasts worldwide. Full of tourists from all sorts of international ports of call, I always felt a thrill to see his acclaimed Field Guide books in their hands or on the portico of a well visited hotel or tourist destination. He is another example of a great natured human being who was influenced to change the world for the good of all species by this awe-inspiring place we call home. His legacy is in our hands.
In the words of RTPI’s CEO and most excellent human being, Mr. Arthur Pearson, “If we can’t, ‘as a community’, embrace the gift of great potential and legacy we are blessed with here in Jamestown, we will have failed to carry out his mission”. He was speaking in context to my own hopeful vision for the rise of our once brilliant “Emerald City”, and I echo his sentiment. While the Institute is not funded by revolving grants, they are blessed and grateful to their supporters who graciously donate to the efforts for Preservation and Promotion of Nature and Wildlife and the overall health and wealth of our great community.
Our tour through the museum was engaging and educational. Our very pleasant guide and Curator of Collections, Maria Ferguson, is incredibly knowledgeable, conversational, committed and enthusiastic with regard to what the Institute makes available to the public; her vibe is contagious. I learned so much about the evolution of Peterson’s work, his techniques and how his focus became ever more sharply directed to conveying the character and vision of the birds and creatures he was portraying. Over time, his strokes became evermore defined and sharp and yet somehow this very definition gives an almost fantastical characteristic to his subjects. You can almost tell what the red headed Pileated woodpeckers are thinking in his renderings.
The exhibit, “ART of the Field Guide” is an important one. Espousing for us how the posture of his subjects, as well as the position of the point of light that settles on the eyes, clues us in to what the creature may be thinking and preparing, if anything, to do. The images displayed side by side to his are by the evolving understudy of Peterson, David Allen Sibley. The exhibit reveals the great efforts to learn from Peterson and to pay his work homage, by David Allen Sibley. The collection throughout, displays the evolution of Peterson’s work and Sibley’s developing talents and transition to his own style. Jon felt that the illustration of the Condor, “may be where the apprentice becomes the master”. All of the Art is exquisite and you should not miss this showing which runs through July, 17th 2022.
Because the Institute strives to promote local talent, area Artists are encouraged to submit works by May 3rd for the “Art That Matters to the Planet”, upcoming exhibit.
This May the Institute will be welcoming an “Artist in Residence”, Miss Alex Warnick, who they hope will be inspired by our One-of-a-Kind Natural Environment and create works for future exhibitions. In this castle point you are surrounded by towering glass windows, open to the entire sky. When you visit the Institute, you must find yourself in the peak of the building, the “crows” nest, if you will. Here a live GPS feed from bird watchers all over the world is able to telecast the migratory patterns and location of migratory birds in real time. Amazing! This gave me a new appreciation for modern technology.
The crème de la crème is the Fantastic and Custom Designable Venue available for Exquisite Weddings, large or small reunions, fund raisers and parties. Just outside the magnificent museum this magical courtyard is perfect for live entertainment and social soirees.
David Niles is a pleasure to talk to and work with. His 26 years living in and working with big time entertainment companies in New York City, has given him a unique set of skills in event planning. Originally from Jamestown, David said he couldn’t be happier for this opportunity to bring his passion and talent home. I, for one, couldn’t be happier either, as he is creating for this venue planned public events complete with live bands under the stars. Beer and wine are available as they have acquired a license to serve and they will be offering for a $20.00 entry fee, a Glass or a Pint, a Charcuterie board and Sweet Notes to Salve your Soul!
For information, please feel free to contact David Niles at 716 665-2473 or via email@
dniles@rtpi.org. They are on Facebook and have a website, but trust me, you want to go there with a spin. You will want to get every drop! They are located at 311Curtis Street, Jamestown, Ny 14701.
I want to give a heartfelt thank you to our hosts and also mention the other staffers responsible for the care and curation of this local Gem. Melissa Post, Chief Curator, George Harper, Development and Communications Director, Megan Sorenson, Major Gifts Officer, Amy Hudson, Operations and Administration Assistant, Amelia Duffee, Visitor Experience Associate, Emily Nelson, Visitor Experience Associate and Twan Leenders, Senior Advisor for Conservation.
Cheers to you all for bringing these hills alive and carrying the Roger Tory Peterson Torch!