ARTS & CULTURE | 6-7

Museum Center publishes biography of wildlife artist Ruthven

Cincinnati Museum Center (CMC) has published a biography of Cincinnati’s John A. Ruthven, the nation’s preeminent wildlife artist.

“John A. Ruthven: An American Treasure” was written by noted ornithologists Jerome Jackson and Bette Jackson. The book is on sale at CMC and at the National Exemplar in Mariemont.

The cover of “John A. Ruthven: An American Treasure”

Ruthven, regarded as the modern successor to John James Audubon, donated his first specimen to CMC more than 80 years ago, when he was 10 years old. Since then, he has helped bring thousands of specimens into the museum, helping scientists and historians learn more about the natural world.

The hardbound, 180- page coffee table book outlines Ruthven’s life story, reputation and character, and includes full-color reproductions of his artwork, showcasing his ability to depict the natural world in stunning detail.

John A. Ruthven

The book is part of CMC’s celebration of Ruthven’s legacy and the museum’s 200th anniversary. The Western Museum Society, predecessor to CMC, was founded in 1818 and in 1819 hired Audubon as its first employee.

The National Exemplar hosted a book launch for Ruthven, a Mariemont resident who visits the restaurant weekly. The book is available at CMC and the restaurant for $49.95. All proceeds support CMC’s science collections.

www.cincymuseum.org

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Organist Chriss to perform concert at Hyde Park church

Sunday, April 26, 4 p.m., Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church

NOTE: If COVID-19 restrictions prevent attendance at Hyde Park United Methodist, the concert will take place online, via live streaming. Check www.moversmakers.org/music or the HPUMC website.

About the concert

Alcee Chriss III, winner of the 2017 Canadian International Organ Competition, will perform as part of the Hyde Park Community United Methodist Church’s 2019-20 Organ Concert Series.

Chriss will perform works by Rachmaninoff, Elgar, Fauré, Duruflé and several other composers, along with his own works based on the music of Art Tatum.

Alcee Chriss

Featured as a “rising star” at the national convention of the American Guild of Organists, Chriss has been praised for his “grace, skill and abundant proficiency.” He has won several competitions throughout the United States, and performs frequently in France and North America. Chriss, who has a master’s degree from Oberlin Conservatory of Music, also is active as a harpsichordist, conductor and jazz pianist. The concert is free to the public.

www.hydeparkchurch.org

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