The name John James Audubon is synonymous with the study and preservation of American wild life. His masterpiece, The Birds of America folio, and his lifetime of written journals stand as unique and unsurpassed contributions to the world of fine art, natural science, and American history and literature. Audubon’s art and aesthetic legacy continue to amaze and inspire. His prophetic and visionary concerns for the environment continue to speak to new generations throughout America and the world today.

This exhibition presents a selection of rare and valuable works of art and artifacts. It includes original Audubon letters, books, photographs, personal items, and sixty of the large hand colored Double Elephant Folio engravings printed from 1826 – 1838 for The Birds of America, selected from the art collection and document archives of the John James Audubon Museum and State Park at Henderson, Kentucky.

Roberson is adding its own dimension to this wonderful exhibition, providing a unique opportunity for visitors, especially artists. Lee J. Loomis was a lifelong resident of Broome County. He was a naturalist, photographer, conservationist and taxidermist who donated his private collection to Roberson in 1975. More than 50 mounted bird specimen from his collection will be featured along with the Audubon engravings of those birds. Combining the works of these kindred spirits, Roberson Museum and Science Center presents a once in a lifetime opportunity for visitors this spring.

Exhibition organized by Art Services 2000 Ltd. from the Collection of the John James Audubon Museum.

Confluence Project: The Power of Rivers

Roberson Museum and Binghamton High School Partner for Teen Exhibition

May 8 – June 8, 2008
Opening Reception: Thursday, May 8, 4 – 5 pm
Binghamton Visitor Center

Rivers have the power to give life and take it away. Before modern society, many people settled alongside rivers. For survival, they depended on the vegetation that grew around rivers and the local wildlife. Alternatively, rivers can bring destruction in the form of floods, destroying all that man has built. Humans have learned to rebuild in order to cope with a river’s power. With advancing technology we have altered the rivers to suit our needs. As we face problems such as pollution and the rising global temperature, local and international communities are promoting an awareness of protecting the rivers.

Teen Apprentices at Roberson Museum and Science Center have partnered with Binghamton High School Students to create and curate a new exhibition; Confluence Project: The Power of Rivers. The exhibition presents works of art inspired by the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers, and features various paintings, photographs, films, poetry, and sculptures, courtesy of Binghamton High School students. The exhibition runs May 8th through June 8th of 2008 in the Binghamton Visitor Center at Roberson Museum and Science Center.

For more information contact Roberson Museum and Science Center (607)772-0660.

Dellasanta’s Susquehanna

March 7 – June 2008
Sawtelle Gallery

Roberson Museum and Science Center present the work of Binghamton’s native artist Armondo Dellasanta opening Friday, March 7, 2008.

When the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941, the government feared sabotage to the railroad system, which was critically needed to move cargo for the war. Soldiers were sent to guard important train centers. Armondo Dellasanta, an infantry-man in 1941, was sent to Susquehanna, Pennsylvania, a busy rail hub. With his rifle and bayonet he stood guard at the “old iron bridge.” Upon leaving Susquehanna, Mr. Dellasanta was sent to fight in World War II on European soil.

After the war, fond memories of his time in Susquehanna, brought Mr. Dellasanta back to the town he served in. He found himself both visiting and taking photographs, photographs that later turned into paintings. He remarked “Everywhere I looked, I saw a painting”. It was during these visits that he fell in love with trains, bridges, railroad stations, churches and homes built on hills. These works will be on display in Sawtelle Gallery.

Whether he is painting Susquehanna landscapes, scenes from New York City, or capturing the essence of Binghamton, Dellasanta’s work evokes a strong emotional response. With exuberance and gusto he captures these moments in his own unique style of contemporary impression.

Armondo Dellasanta is a true local treasure.

Roberson’s Exhibition “Dellasanta’s Susquehanna” was featured on the the Thursday night WSKG TV show "Expressions: Art & Soul of the Southern Tier."

For additional information about the artist, click here.

Stories—

Narrative Art from Roberson’s Collections

Now through
August 30, 2008
Dickenson East Gallery

The works of art within this gallery are from Roberson’s permanent collections. Each work tells a story. Choose one or more works from within the gallery and ask yourself, “What is happening in this painting, print, or sculpture?” and “What do I see that makes me say that?” Try engaging in a conversation about an artwork with another museum visitor. Each visitor will bring his or her own interpretations to the work and every narrative will be different as a result.

The displayed artworks are intended to be used as subjects for facilitated discussions about art and interpretation. Using Visual Thinking Strategies, museum visitors find meaning within an artwork. Visual Thinking Strategies (VTS) is a teaching technique developed under the guidance of Philip Yenawine, former Director of Education at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. Roberson’s Education Department uses this method in its programming with temporary and permanent exhibitions.

To sign up for a program, inquire at the front desk or call 772-0660 ext. 203. To learn more about VTS, visit http://www.vue.org/whatisvts.html.

Visions of the Susquehanna

250 Years of Paintings by American Masters

Sponsored by:
The Richard C. von Hess Foundation

May 15 – August 30, 2008
Irma M. Ahearn Gallery

As it flows from its headwaters in the streams and lakes of upstate New York and then meanders, cuts and turns through the mountains and hills of central New York and Pennsylvania, eventually flowing into the head of the Chesapeake Bay in Havre de Grace, Maryland, the Susquehanna River has been a dynamic and influential force in the development of the Eastern United States.

Visions of the Susquehanna assembles, for the first time in over 25 years, two centuries of work depicting the Susquehanna River, and features works by such painters as Benjamin West, Karl Bodmer, Henry Wolcott Boss, Jasper Francis Cropsey, Louis Remy Mignot, Thomas Doughty, Lloyd Mifflin, and Stephen Etnier. The exhibition is curated and also includes work by Rob Evans.
 

ROBERSON MUSEUM AND SCIENCE CENTER

SITE DESIGN & PROGRAMMING BY CYBERCity