Annual Report 2022
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“Stunning, informative, significant”
“The importance of the work being done at RTPI is without dispute. The desire to continue Peterson’s legacy of inspiring action to preserve, repair and respect our environment is spot on. Thank you.”
“So happy the ‘direction’ of RTPI museum has changed. Heading into our uncertain future it will be a guiding light!” 2
Noah DiRuzza, Gaea, 2021
Table Of Contents From our Board Chair................................................ 2 From our CEO............................................................. 3 Roger’s Legacy........................................................... 4 Art that Matters to the Planet............................. 5-9 Artists in Residence........................................... 10-11 The Peterson Collection.................................... 12-13 Programs.................................................................. 14 Partnerships............................................................ 15 Financials............................................................ 16-17 Board and Staff..................................................18-19 Supporters......................................................... 20-25
From our Board Chair – Will Mudge I was born and raised in Jamestown, which instilled in me a love of the outdoors. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve an organization that honors the legacy of Jamestown native Roger Tory Peterson, whose field
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guides have inspired millions of people throughout the world to fall in love with nature. RTPI is dedicated to illuminating Roger’s art for new generations and to fostering the work of contemporary nature artists in pursuit of Art That Matters to the Planet. For us, Art that Matters to the Planet has several meanings. The nature art we exhibit at RTPI educates. It inspires. It also leads to
real change. Curating forward to building upon exhibitions of worldour success. Thank you class nature art helps for being there with us. raise awareness of the critical conservation challenges of our time. It also helps RTPI to fulfill its potential to increase tourism in Jamestown and the surrounding region. We are proud of the strides we have made since the adoption of our current strategic plan. With the support of friends like you, we look
From our CEO – Arthur Pearson As a young boy growing up in Jamestown, NY, Roger fell forever in love with birds as a result of his “spark bird” experience with a northern flicker. You’d think a kid like that would grow up to become an ornithologist or a biologist. When it came to choosing a career, however, Roger left for New York City to study art. Roger’s genius was to combine his passion for
art and birds to create something entirely new – the first modern field guide, which has inspired millions of people throughout the world to fall in love with birds and nature as never before. Roger’s art mattered. That’s why the Roger Tory Peterson Institute matters. We honor Roger’s legacy as the most famous artistnaturalist in the world by nurturing the next
generation of nature artists – through exhibitions and programs that spark in us a deeper connection to the natural world. RTPI is a nature art museum unlike any other. Our worldclass exhibitions and programs. Our nature preserve and architectural gem of a building. Our people. RTPI is a one-of-akind experience that educates, inspires,
challenges, delights, fulfills, and much, much more. RTPI. Art that Matters to the Planet. Plan your visit today. You’ll be glad you did.
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“As a naturalist, Peterson has the soul of an artist and as an artist the soul of a naturalist.” Trained as an artist, Roger Tory Peterson understood the power of art to inform, inspire and illuminate people about the natural world. His illustrated field guides sparked a worldwide awakening to the beauty and wonder of birds. Throughout his multifaceted career, Roger helped us to see environmental challenges, as well – the devastating impacts of pesticides, habitat loss and other environmental ills. He also demonstrated that each and every one of us can make a difference in protecting the natural world we love. 46
Art that Matters to the Planet Inspired by Roger, we exhibit the work of some of the most dynamic nature artists in the country. Painters. Sculptors. Photographers. Collagists. Interdisciplinary artists. No matter their media, no matter their style, their art draws us into a deeper relationship with the natural world. Their art informs and illuminates the critical conservation challenges of our times. Their art inspires us to the solutions we need to protect the natural world we love.
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2021 Exhibitions
Jeanne Wiebenga, Nest Building, 2020
Alison Nicholls, Elephant! Tembo!, 2013
Thomas D. Mangelsen, Light in the Forest, 1998
Art of the Osprey
Art that Matters to the Planet
Thomas D. Mangelsen: A Life in the Wild,
Photographs by Roger Tory Peterson and Dr. Jeanne Wiebenga explored the near extinction of ospreys and their amazing recovery following the banning of DDT.
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The juried exhibition of 60 works by the Society of Animal Artists celebrated the resiliency of nature in the face of pollution, climate change and the illegal wildlife trade.
All images are copyright the artists or estates of the artists.
Tour Produced by David J. Wagner, L.L.C. Forty large-scale photographs drew viewers into the worlds of bison, bears, birds and other iconic wildlife species who struggle for survival in the face of 21st century challenges.
2022 Exhibitions
Roger Tory Peterson, Parakeets and Small Parrots, 1973
Meredith Leich, Animated Drawings for a Glacier-Cuttyhunk, 2021
Charley Harper, Lovey Dovey, 1978, serigraph on paper, 14 x 14 in., Permanent Collection of the Springfield Museum of Art, Gift of Mr. Kenneth C. Tregilus
Art of the Field Guide
Art that Matters to the Planet
Curious by Nature: Works by Charley and Edie Harper,
Featuring the original field guide art of Roger Tory Peterson and David Allen Sibley, the exhibition explored how field guides uniquely marry art, design, and science to satisfy a deep human need for connection with the natural world.
In a world of exceptional natural beauty and overwhelming environmental challenges, the 15 artists featured in this juried exhibition make the case that art not only matters, it is essential for creating a better world.
Organized by Springfield Museum of Art and Fowler Artistic LLC. Charley and Edie Harper’s signature style of ‘minimal realism’ captures the spirit of their subjects and allows us to see nature, and our place in it, in a whole new way. 7
2023 Exhibitions
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Carmen Ostermann, Eurasian Tree Sparrow, 2021
Pamela Casper, Intimate Cooperation, 2022
Karen Bondarchuk, Crow 13, 2014
Hope is the Thing with Feathers: Contemporary Women Nature Artists
Art that Matters to the Planet: Interconnectivity
Ergo Sum: A Crow A Day,
Works by five women whose art explores the paradoxically powerful and fragile nature of birds and the ecosystems in which they live.
This juried exhibition featured 25 artists whose work explored the underground network of tree roots, and how communication and nutrient sharing helps trees thrive.
This exhibition features 365 original works by Canadian-born artist Karen Bondarchuk, who set out to mark the passing time that her mother – diagnosed with dementia in 2010 – no longer could.
All images are copyright the artists or estates of the artists.
Organized by Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum, Wasau, WI
“For me, art is at its best when it emotionally touches those who see it. To have a show where every piece has emotional impact, as the art in this one does, is in my experience rare. That the show also exposes so many approaches to and aspects of trees to its audience makes the exhibition all the more intriguing and impactful. Maria Ferguson, RTPI’s Curator, said that each year you will be focusing on one of the topics of the Peterson Guides. Considering the importance of his work to people interested in nature across the country and the world, this seems like a perfect approach for RTPI.” Sallie Lowenstein, exhibiting artist, Art that Matters to the Planet: Interconnectivity
Sallie Lowenstein, Clothed in Bark, 2013
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Artists-in-Residence Artists need nurturing. Even Roger Tory Peterson. In 1968, he was the very first “scholar-inresidence” at Fallingwater, Frank Lloyd Wright’s architectural masterpiece, located in Mill Run, PA. During his residency, Roger completed the artwork for his Field Guide to Mexican Birds. RTPI launched an Artist-in-Residence program to provide artists the opportunity to study Roger’s original artwork and to inspire them to create new nature-based work of their own.
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Michael Fedison, courtesy of Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Robin Zefers Clark 2020 “The artist residency is a wonderful opportunity to become artistically immersed in the environment, finding hidden visual treasures, around and within the Roger Tory Peterson Institute.”
Alex Warnick 2022
Joseph Grice 2022
Rosalie Haizlett 2023
Dorie Petrochko 2023
“The residency felt to me like going to Disney World. With my interest in art and birds, Roger Tory Peterson has always been on my list of heroes and it was great to be able to go there and see his collection and work first hand. I got to study his technique and design and see his historic guide and the effect that has had on society.”
“In Taking Flight, I started with a simple motif and concept. My intent was to reimagine Peterson’s barn swallow painting as a dramatic moment in time. Changing palette, medium, and composition, I wanted to tell a story and create depth, mood, and connection.”
“I used my week at RTPI to learn about how naturalists throughout the past 150 years have observed the behaviors of nocturnal wildlife. I searched the archives to discover how Roger acquired his source material for artwork about nocturnal birds.”
“As a post-residency project, I intend to create a series of artworks, based upon my research, observation, and interviews regarding the changes in bird behavior of Corvids, (specifically, but not all inclusive of Ravens.)”
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The Peterson Collection To expand Roger’s reach beyond our museum walls, we digitized his fine art collection and – for the first-time ever – uploaded it to our website in a searchable database of images. Since our online fine art database went live, we have fielded numerous requests for information and licensing, from as far away as England and Australia.
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Curator Maria Ferguson has made good use of the Peterson Collection, as well. Her article, “Good Birding,” is featured in the Fall 2023 edition of New York Archives, published by New York State Archives Partnership Trust.
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Programs In addition to our exhibitions of world-class art, RTPI has inaugurated a suite of new programs to cultivate community. Art After 5. Roger’s Bird-Day Bash. Holidays at the Lodge. These are among the programs that have helped drive a 375% increase in overall attendance at RTPI since before the pandemic.
RTPI Museum Attendance Growth 2019 Baseline
6,000 5,000
To expand RTPI’s accessibility within our community, we were the first museum in Chautauqua County to enroll in Museums for All, providing free admission for those receiving food assistance (SNAP benefits.) RTPI also enrolled in Arts Access. “Believing art is not a luxury but a necessity,” this program removes barriers that prohibit many Western New Yorkers from experiencing the arts, including admission cost and transportation.
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4,000 3,000 2,000 1,000 0
2020 Actual
2021 Actual
2022 Actual
2023 Projected
Partnerships RTPI is the proud sponsor of BWD Dispatch, the monthly online newsletter for BWD Magazine. For many years, Roger Tory Peterson was a regular contributor to Bird Watcher’s Digest – as an artist and a writer. For a dozen years, he authored the column “All Things Reconsidered.” RTPI continues this tradition, penning a regular “Art that Matters to the Planet” column for the online Dispatch. Our goal is to enrich the birding experience through the lens of art and to encourage birders to visit RTPI and explore the natural area wonders that sparked a young Roger’s passion for birds. As part of our new membership program, one of the “perks” for Sustaining Members is a free annual subscription to BWD Magazine. To become a member of RTPI, visit our website at rtpi. org/memberships or give us a call at 716-665-2473.
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2022 Year-end Financial Position for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute
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Revenue Contributions Program Service Revenue Other TOTAL Revenue
$717,246 $66,444 $46,803 $830,493
Expenses Program Services Management and General Fundraising TOTAL Expenses
$766,583 $105,261 $250,350 $1,122,194
Change in Net Assets Net Assets Start of the Year Net Assets End of the Year
$3,353,876 $3,062,175
The change in net assets is largely due to a combination of prior year revenue released from restrictions and recorded as receivables, scheduled transfer of endowment funds to the RTPI Foundation and “depreciation” on Promises to Give.
2022 Year-end Financial Position for the Roger Tory Peterson Institute Foundation, Inc. Revenue Investment Income TOTAL Revenue Expenses Distribution to RTPI Realized/Unrealized Returns TOTAL Expenses Change in Net Assets Net Assets Start of the Year Net Assets End of the Year
$131,276 $131,276
$189,266 $354,822
$1,962,339 $1,549,527
The change in next assets is largely due to the stock market decline of approximately 20% during 2022.
The Foundation is an independently incorporated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose sole purpose is to support the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, namely by holding and managing RTPI’s endowment funds. Gifts to the Foundation help support the longterm sustainability of RTPI. Through interest generated by investments, and in line with donor direction, the Foundation provides RTPI reliable annual support. To make a gift to the Foundation, please contact Arthur Pearson, CEO: apearson@rtpi.org or 716-665-2473 x224 17
Board Of Directors Wilson D. Mudge, Chair Diane M. Carlson, Vice-Chair Douglas L. Schutte, Treasurer Lynne Reading, Secretary Chris Anderson, Chair, Development and Communications Kent J. Francois Dr. Katherine Groninger, Chair, Collections and Exhibitions William H. Hopple, III Lee A. Peterson Tory C. Peterson Bert Whitney “Whit” Rappole, Jr. Leslie Coleman Renjilian Alberto Rey Ellen Stokes Shadle Erika N.D. Stanat Dr. Jeanne Wiebenga Marilyn Zagora Arthur Pearson
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RTPI Staff Arthur Pearson, Chief Executive Jana Ball, Communications and Visitor Experience Associate Jill Bornand, Marketing and Communications Officer Madelyn Card, Learning and Engagement Coordinator Amelia Duffee, Programs and Events and Visitor Experience Associate Maria Ferguson, Curator Amy Hudson, Facilities and Visitor Experience Associate Rachael Kosinski, Assistant Curator David Niles, Programs and Events Director Justyne (Tina) Preston, Administrative Assistant
Staff Spotlight Rachael Kosinski is the newest addition to our staff. She holds a BA in Art History from SUNY Geneseo and an MA in Museum Studies from University College London. Initially hired as a project archivist to catalogue Roger Tory Peterson’s vast archive, she was hired full-time as our Assistant Curator to enhance the care and interpretation of the collection. 19
With Gratitude to our 2022 Supporters The Peterson Society recognizes those who annually gift $4,000 or more in support of RTPI’s mission Judith C. Alstadt Diane Carlson and William Freyd Ayako S. Cone Kent and Jennifer Francois William R. Hackney, III Wilson and Amy Mudge Lee and Courtney Peterson Tory and Janet Peterson Donald Powers Leslie Coleman Renjilian Linda Steckley and Pete Weitzel Jeanne E. Wiebenga Barbara Yellig Lupfter
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Gifts in Memory of Jan and David Alexander Donald Alstadt Debbie Andersen Willard Anderson Mary Lou Bober William F. Duncanson Jr Anthony Gallo Janet Heintz Kenneth Rodney Hudson Janice Isaman Phyllis C. Klafehn Jennie LaMancuso Dorothy A. Lyle Rose Stark Ronald Wood Ann Young Dr. Dale Allen Zimmerman John Andrea
Gifts in Honor of Helen and Lorimer Moe Lee and Courtney Peterson Diane Pierce $20,000 and above Roger Tory Peterson Institute Foundation Judith C. Alstadt C. Malcolm and Jeanette M. Nichols RTPI Fund Carnahan-Jackson Foundation The Lenna Foundation $10,0000 to $19,999 Chautauqua County Estate of Lois Galloway William R. Hackney Holmberg Foundation National Film Preservation Foundation
New York State Council on the Arts Donald Powers Ralph C. Sheldon Foundation Robert F. Schumann Foundation Stanley A. Weeks Charitable Legacy Fund State of New York $4,000 to $9,999 Allen R. and Hargaret H. Findlay Fund Ayako S. Cone Diane M. Carlson Kent and Jennifer Francois Linda and Pete Weitzel Goodridge Steckley Irene B. Eckberg RTPI Fund Amy and Wilson Mudge Museum Association of New York.
Lee and Courtney Peterson Tory and Janet Peterson Leslie Renjilian Jeanne E. Wiebenga Wolf Creek Charitable Foundation Barbara Yellig Lupfer $1,000 to $3,999 Andrew Sabin Family Foundation Bruce Battler Warren C. Blanchard, Jr Craig Caldwell Capacity Lab Nancy Colalillo Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo Chautauauq Region Community Foundation Henry and Julie Danielson Thomas M. Dennehey
Delores S. Erickson Donna and Jack Fahlen Mark and Donna Hampton Mary Anne Harp Holiday Valley Resort William Hopple G. P. Johnson Kay Johnson Arthur Klebanoff Madeline B. Miles Lynne Reading Summit Wealth Management, Inc. Jon and Erika Stanat Marilyn Zagora $500 to $999 Constance Barton Renate Bob Jon Boone Dwight and Ann Chasar Michael Desha William and Sally Ebersbach G. Dewey & Myrna E. Spencer
Larson Memorial Fund Cornelia Bridges Ferguson Martin F. Idzik Matthew and Shelly Johnston Deborah and Donald Lauper Laura Ledford Loud Performance Mary Beth Metcalf, MD National Philanthropic Trust Jacob F. Palomaki M.D. Eric and Penelope Pankow Arthur and Susan Pearson Robert and Patricia Sundell Environmental Fund Roger Tory Peterson Institute Fund Matthew Serwacki Jr Shults Auto Group Fred C. Sibley C.K and George Theofilactidis Arthur D. and Carol F. Webster $100 to $499 Judith J. Anderson Family Fund
3H Charitable Fund Kenneth B. Adams Suzanne and Kenneth Aldrich Steven Alm Thomas Anderson Chris Anderson C. Rose Anderson Barbara and John Anderson E. Thomas Arnn Rogert and Kathleen Ascough Hans and Kari Auer Ellen B. Avril Paul J. Baicich Linda M. Ballentine Robert D. Barnes James and Beth Barnes Thomas and Jane Becker Eric Berg Mary and James Berry Sally Black Katherine Bloomer-Calabria Dr. Julie Boozer Phyllis S. Bornand Eileen A. Braungard
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Beverly Brink Carrie and David Brown John M. Brubaker Rose Budnick James Marlin Casker David Chapin Janet Chapman Charley and Edie Harper Foundation Chautauqua Bird, Tree and Garden Club Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company Fred L. Cohen Patrick and Karen Collins Barbara J. Combs Faye and Jeffrey Contino Thomas and Linda Cooper Rena A. Cowen Suzanne Dearment Samantha Del Vecchio Dea Denison Susan C. Dilks Rodney A. and Carol A. Drake 22
Helen G. Ebersole Kathleen Evans Melvin Feather Theodore C. and Deborah R. First Phyllis N. Frank Janet V. Frankmann Mizzette Fuenzalida Marilyn Fugagli G.L. Olson, Inc. Peter and Kathleen George Marjorie L. Girth Betty A. Glatz Andrew Goodell D.S. Gould Lynette Green Pickup Donald and Kathleen Greenhouse Lyndon and Melanie Gritters Rodney I. and Katherine L. Gross J. Bruce and Judith F. Hagadorn John and Carol Hardenburg
George and Jennifer Harper Eleanor Harvey Katherine E. Hauth Paul and Beth Higby Paul Hojnacki Audrey Horbett Lucy A.C. Howard Ibabao Realty, LLC Jamestown Garden Club Louise and Joseph Jencik Pierce and Nancy Johnson Jennifer Johnson Joseph C. Johnson Greg and Sue Jones Mr. and Mrs. Rolland Kidder Patricia King Elizabeth Kolken Dr. Ranjit K. Laha John Laird John M. LaMancuso, MD Deborah Lanni Stephen Larson James and Jane Lawton Joanna Lazarus
Edwin Leonard Christopher Liston Robert Long Ruth Lundin Terry Lyle Michael K. Lyons Janet Mahler Joan M. Marcello Robert and Laura Marsala Thomas and Jerolyn Mazur Charles McChesney Thomas J. McCreight Richard and Eugenie Myers Sara C. Myers Janet Q. Nass Native Roots Brian and Judith Nedwek Drina Nemes Timothy and Crystal Niemi Lennart and Gloria Nilson Kevin Parkman Allen and Mary Peterson Douglas C. Pickard Joel Potash
Jean E. Prechter Charles D. and Ann B. Preston Albert and Mary Jane Proctor Carolyn Proctor H.C. and Mary Putnam Rosemary Rappole REA Display Inc. Robert S. and Je’Anne Bargar Fund Michael and Karen Roberts Annelie Rose Elizabeth Rosenthal William and Margaret Rowe Michael Sacopulos Kathy Sampson Russell and Judith Sampson Eugene Scarpulla Kathleen N. Scharon Azzaro Richard Scheffler Merrillie Schmidt Barbara F. Schmitt Jennifer K. Schroeder Curtis and Joyce Sechler Ellen Shadle
Elizabeth and David Shepherd Elaine Short Charles and Karen Shoup Dr. Charles E. Sinatra DDS Jill Smith James M. Smith Denise Stebbins Stephen E. Still Stephen and Deborah Szwejbka Craig and Rose Anne Woodard Thompson The Blackbaud Giving Fund Susan and Kent Taylor Traverso Graham Trelstad Robert and Beverly Ungerer United Way of Bartholomew County, Inc. Thompson Upton Mary J. Wagner Mitchell E. Walker Nancy Ward Leslie Warren James Watson
Westlake Inn, Inc. Stephen White Carolyn Whitehead John Winn WNY Library Resources Council Steven and Cheryl Woodruff Glen and Janice Yeager Brenda Young John Zabrodsky
Up to $99 Stephen and Ann Morse Abdella C. Adams Duane F. and Marian E. Anderson Nancy Anderson William and Christine Anderson Peggy and Brian Anderson Richard Aron Victoria Baldwin-Bauer Patricia S. Beagle Jaye H. Beebe
Marjorie H. Benton Joni I. Blackman Eric and Deborah Bolling Margaret E. Braun Linda Bumbalo Leslie Calimeri Michael Campanella Marion J Canedo Mary-Louise Cartledge Adie Childs David Cook Ronald and Pamela A. Moran Cook Wendy Jo Culver Nancy D’Arcy Mark and Karen Davis Leonard and Celia Defrancisco Corbin Dennison Spencer Drake Constance and John Ecklund Eugenia Economos Bonnie J. Engberg Oliver W. and Barbara H. 25 23
Erickson Christina Erickson Joan Eschner Linda Estes Priscilla Fairbank Michael Farrall Norman and Wilma Fleming Diane Fuller Norman and Frances Gallagher Carol Gallo Thomas and Connie Gauronski Thomas L. and Sally Dee Greer Joseph Grice Marlene and Harold Hanson Neidra P. Hart M. Kathleen Herron Katherine B. Hirschfeld Robert F. and Carol L. Hopper Lee Horton Amy E. Hudson Elizabeth and Thomas Indriolo Mark Jobes Marilyn Johnson 24
Jane Jones-Schulz Sally J. Jurkowski Henry G. Kammerer Ermyn King Stephen C. Kirchner Theodore and Susanna Kurtzhals Raymond G. Larson Rodney and Lara Larson Elizabeth Lasser Edward and Eleanor Lemiszko Richard and Carol Lewis Bruce and Pat Limberg Joan Linder Jacqueline Littlejohn Douglas Lloyd Mary F. Maggio Sean and Hope McGuan Kristan McMahon Sara Michalak Donald and Annette Miller Jacqueline M. Milligan Michael Morgante
Terence and Judith Mosher Daniel Munson Greg Nemes K. F. Ohta A.A. and J.D. Ongley Thomas Paquette Claranne B. Parker Donald and L. Janet Peterson Helen Ann Peterson Jonathan and Trudy Pomeroy Justyne Preston Kerry and Diane Provance Donald and Joanne Puder Maj Lincoln W Quigley Ret Catharine Regis Alberto Rey Rene Riczker Carol Riniolo Bruce and JoAnn Robinson Jessica Runge Carol Scorsone Robert and Dixie Siegel
Roslyn Sisley-Kazelunas Katherine Smallwood Norman and Bonita Smith Pamela Ann Smith Paul Sojka Megan Sorenson Kay Stahlman Theresa Sullivan Peter B. Sullivan John and Marilyn Sundeen Douglas Swanson Geraldine and Durwood Swanson Jerome and Kay Swanson Jacqueline Courtney Swift James W. and Gretchen S. Taft Patrick L. and Constance M. Toops Sarah Van Leer Jeffrey and Michele Victor Thomas and Gail Walder Deforest and Joyce Warn Alex Warnick
Christine Wendel Kathryn J. Westlake Mary and Steven Woleben Michael Wozniak Clint Wrede Anne Zaragoza
2022 Community Sponsors Chautauqua County Partnership for Economic Growth Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company Holiday Valley Resort Loud Performance Shults Auto Group Summit Wealth Management
In-kind Sponsors Balancing the Books Biodome Project Brazil Chautauqua Patrons Insurance Company The Chop House on Main Crown Street Roasting Company Elegant Edibles Forte Full Moon Rising Bakery Hotspot Café It’s Your Day Johnson Estate Winery Lakeview Gardens Labyrinth Mable Roads The Merry Oaks Mercantile Pace’s Pizza SLA Solutions
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Visit RTPI In-person: 311 Curtis St. Jamestown, NY 14701 and online: rtpi.org Robin Zefers-Clark, Day 23, 2020