Lorain County Metro Parks’ Stars and Stripes Art Exhibit Opens to Public – Morning Journal

Lorain County Metro Parks explores the wonders of nature.

A new exhibition at the Carlisle Reservation Visitor Center Art Gallery, 12882 Diagonal Street in LaGrange, focuses on the bald eagle’s nest in the schoolyard of Avon Lake’s Redwood Elementary School, 32967 Redwood Blvd.

Affectionately known as the Stars and Stripes, the eagles have successfully raised and fledged 17 offspring.

The eagles found their home in November 2014 and the first two eagles arrived in spring 2015.

The exhibition, which began on April 2nd and ends on April 30th, consists mainly of photographs, but also features original acrylic paintings and charcoal drawings.

Outdoor Experience Manager Bev Walborn said she reached out to the Avon Lake Bald Eagles Nest group on Facebook.

“I knew there was this group of people who spend a lot of time observing and photographing these eagles and their nests,” Walborn said. “I was amazed at the quality and amazing photos they posted and thought it would be a great story that needed to be shared with the Lorain County community.”

A Meet the Artists meet-and-greet will take place on April 23 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. where the photographers and artists can share their stories.

The Carlisle Visitor Center Art Gallery is free and open to the public daily during regular business hours from 8am to 4:30pm.

Walborn said Metro Parks wanted to highlight local craftsmanship.

“We want to draw attention to the artistry of these photographers, who spend a lot of time exploring and perfecting their craft,” she said. “It’s a great opportunity to showcase Lorain County artists and art that represents the county.”

Metro Parks hopes to create greater awareness of Ohio’s bald eagles, Walborn said.

“We hope the exhibit will encourage other people to get involved and watch the nest,” she said. “It’s a great learning experience about how nature works and seeing the wonders of nature.”

For more information visit loraincountymetroparks.com/arts.