Field Notes is a visual love letter to the birds of the Pacific Northwest—an exhibition where art, observation, and reverence for the natural world converge. Inspired by the legacy of John James Audubon and rooted deeply in the unique ecology of this region, the show brings together contemporary artists whose work responds to the presence of birds not only as subjects of beauty, but as symbols of change, migration, resilience, and interconnectedness. Featured artists include Ann Reid, Natalie Niblack, Justin Gibbens, and Anne Goetzman. 

The impetus for Field Notes came from the donated works of the late Anne Goetzman who maintained a lifelong devotion to birds and art. A meticulous observer and skilled painter, Goetzman's work bridges science and soul—rendering each feather and wing with both precision and wonder. This ethos of attentiveness and care guides each of our featured artists. From detailed studies to expressive interpretations, each piece in Field Notes represents a moment of attention—of pausing to look, to listen, and to record. Collectively, these works form a tapestry of Pacific Northwest life—ephemeral, wild, and deeply interconnected.

This exhibition honors the practice of looking closely. Field Notes captures fleeting encounters and transforms them into enduring reflection. In celebrating birds, we are also celebrating place, memory, and the quiet act of witnessing the world—one wingbeat at a time.