ART THAT MATTERS TO THE PLANET FULFILLING ROGER TORY PETERSON’S MISSION

Atthe Roger Tory Peterson Institute, we believe that art matters to the planet.

The Roger Tory Peterson Institute (RTPI) celebrates art inspired by the natural world. Contemporary artists engage with nature in different ways, and with a variety of messages. Art can be a personal source of healing, inspiration and reflection. It can also instill in the viewer a sense of wonder, promote environmental stewardship, encourage systemic change, or facilitate conversation.

Roger Tory Peterson devoted his career not only to art, but also to activism on behalf of the environment. As the father of the modern field guide, Peterson’s artwork offered a way for readers to discover the beauty and wonder of nature. Throughout his career, he also helped us understand the impact of human activity on nature. He told us about threats birds were facing, warned us of the consequences of inaction, and affected change on behalf of the environment.

Today, Peterson’s continuing influence as an artist, naturalist, and activist is evident in the artistic practice of contemporary nature artists. Through their process and resulting work, they promote a connection between society and nature in hopes that we are inspired to preserve it for generations to come. Like Peterson, they help us explore, discover, and fall in love with the natural world.

RTPI carries on Peterson’s legacy by nurturing the next generation of artists. RTPI presents exhibitions by artists who encourage us to look more closely at nature, so continued on page 34