The Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, Wisconsin, is preparing to open the 50th annual 'Birds in Art' exhibition over Labor Day weekend. The show features 102 juried artists from 16 countries, selected from over 700 applicants, and includes paintings, sculptures, and works on paper. Museum director Matt Foss notes that the exhibition has evolved from traditional realism toward more diverse, contemporary interpretations of birds, with artists experimenting with new styles and mediums.
This milestone matters because 'Birds in Art' has become a premier annual showcase for contemporary bird and wildlife art, demonstrating how the genre is evolving to stay relevant. By embracing innovation—such as scientific illustrator Jane Kim's taxidermy-based cloche piece—the exhibition challenges stereotypes of wildlife art as static or antiquated. The event also highlights the role of regional museums in fostering international artistic dialogue and community engagement through interactive programs and live demonstrations.