Witness: Portraits of Endangered Species Opening Reception at Gualala Arts.

The acrylic paintings on cradled birch panels are in a style that goes beyond realism. Each presents the spirit of the individual animals in a moment captured and revealed. The viewer is invited to connect with, and to become participants in the challenge to save Earth’s magnificent creatures.

The challenge is set before each of us, from individuals to our species as a whole. How much do we cherish our natural world? As the numbers of plant and animal species dwindle do they become more precious? Throughout the world human expansion continues unheeded while creatures and their habitats are consistently marginalized. And yet, physically and psychologically, we need them.

Our history and myths, tales and beliefs are intertwined. As children we were introduced to these animals as we learned the alphabet: “A is for aardvark, Z is for Zebra.” These are the toy animals we held close, while seeking comfort and sweet dreams. In real life these animals hold us spellbound by their sheer sizes, shapes, colors and movements. These animals and their kingdoms extend the experience of intrinsic beauty, mystery and adventure to each of us while at the same time their continued existence now balances on the knife’s edge. And yet, we can change this. We can save them.

This show is a venue for remembering our connection and centering ourselves. This exhibit leads the way to change: Connecting is caring. Caring leads to action. Action leads to results. The result, if we choose it, saves the world and in turn, we save ourselves. And once again, we are made whole by nature.