
June 2025
Historic Lobby
Main Level
– Artist Reception –
Friday, June 20 – during Art Crawl
Featured Piece – Species of Concern
I have been using the Minnesota’s DNR “Species of Special Concern” list to create my illustrations. My recent works are primarily done in inks and gouache. I prefer to use this type of medium because it’s unforgiving and I have to use what I create. I have to make it work, there is no “fixing” the mistakes.
Exhibition Description:
I will also try to photograph my own reference photos by looking for the species in their desired habitat using social media groups for location sightings as well as Merlin Bird Atlas and Audubon. I illustrate the ideal habitat and birds using ink and then rendering them in alcohol ink, gouache for details, and watercolor if needed.
Once I have decided on the species to illustrate I will research the reasons for decline using the Minnesota Breeding Bird Atlas, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, as well as other sources. Once I have determined a common thread of decline I will then Illustrate the bird in their ideal habitat using colors to pull the viewer eyes to the species in a harmonious environment.
About the Artist

I do this by giving the birds their identity by teaching the audience who they are seeing by introducing the name of the species. Once someone knows a name they will be able to pick that bird out in a crowd. They will learn to notice them when they are around but also miss them when they are gone. At times my work spurs memories of species that had once been more common and widespread but have been slowly declining. I often hear “I remember seeing them all of the time when I was younger, I haven’t seen one in a long time.”
Instagram: @bird_in.the_hand
Artist featured: Tanya Piatz
Purchase Location: Gallery C (Lower Level)
HOURS*
Mon – Fr, 10AM – 5PM
Sat., 10AM -2PM
*Also open 1 hour before most performances.
Always Free to Attend. Always Inspiring!