The expression “a canary in the coalmine,” is a phrase that refers to early indicators of trouble and dates back to the days when the small birds known for sensitivity to carbon monoxide were placed in underground mines; if they chirped, miners knew to exit quickly. It’s also the title of the current exhibition at the Jamestown Arts Center (JAC). Canaries in the Coal Mine: Where have all the birds gone? runs June 28-August 23. Centered around the titular theme of loss among the animal kingdom due to ecological issues, such as human disasters, climate change, the presence of invasive species, and the use of pesticides, this show features an array of internationally recognized artists who reflect on the serious dangers birds face in their work.
The idea was brought to the JAC by independent curator Rachel Rosenfield Lafo. Previously director of curatorial affairs at the deCordova Sculpture Park + Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts, and educator at both Boston and Tufts universities, Lafo recently moved to Rhode Island, where she discovered the JAC.
Like many people, Lafo is concerned about what’s happening to the environment and the crucial role birds play in the ecosystem, eating insects, dispersing seeds, and pollinating plants. According to experts, the population of North American birds has decreased by 30 percent since 1970. “My concern for the state of birds today was echoed in some of the artwork I was seeing, which led to the idea for this exhibition,” she says. Through a combination of connections and seeing artists’ works in other exhibitions, Lafo brings together the work of over a dozen artists to the coastal arts organization.
Visitors will first see a sculpture by Gints Grinbergs, installed outside the museum to welcome patrons and set the tone; a mural by Joanna Vespia will adorn the side of the building. Inside, Gail Boyajian’s atmospheric landscapes filled with extinct species along with her series of life-size paper mache birds are sure to engage. Providence-based Holly Wach, who captures the beauty of birds in nature through her observations in watercolor and pastels, and South County’s-own, photographer David Bird, who creates miniature environments in his backyard using figures made of acorns AKA Becorns, are among the works on view. Other exhibitors include Meg Alexander, Resa Blatman, Marcy Hermansader, Laura Baring-Gould, Ronnie Gould, Josie Morway, Peter Green, Thomas Deininger, Amy Ross, and Walton Ford.
“I want the visitors to think deeply about this issue,” explains Lafo. “The exhibit and film screening will explain the declining bird population and list organizations to support throughout the world including the Audubon Society, Norman Bird Sanctuary, and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.”
“Canaries in the Coal Mine immediately resonated with our exhibitions committee – not just because of its thoughtful curation and the mix of local and national artists, but also because it brings together creative talent with a powerful message about the damage being done to our natural environment and the toll it’s taking on bird species,” says Karen Conway, JAC exhibitions director. “Living on an island, Jamestown residents are especially aware of how real and immediate the effects of climate change can be.” Learn more at JamestownArtCenter.org
July 16: A documentary exploring five extinct North American bird species and sculptor Todd McGrain’s journey to memorialize them with panelists John Herbert, director of Bird Conservation at Mass Audubon, Rachel Rosenfield Lafo, curator, and Kate Windsor, executive director at Foster Parrots.
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