Explore Unnatural History at the Springs Preserve

Art portrays collision between man and animal in exhibit on display starting June 25

For Immediate Release: Jun 10, 2010

Unnatural History presents an illuminating look at how humans "witness" wildlife and how civilization could be impacted by our changing environment. The exhibition features the work of two artists utilizing distinctive mediums to portray animals in a myriad of man-made settings. Don Simon's fantastic, colored-pencil imagery and Richard Barnes' photographs of natural history museum dioramas inspire contemplation about man's impact on the natural world. The exhibit will be on display in the Big Springs Gallery inside the Origen Experience at the Springs Preserve starting Friday, June 25 through Sept. 12, 2010 from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily.

"In looking at both Don Simon's and Richard Barnes' work, it reminds us that there was a time when man assumed he dominated the natural world," said Elizabeth Herridge, Springs Preserve Managing Director. "This artwork shows us that today we know this is not the case and perhaps never was."

Don Simon's finely detailed drawings reveal a potential future where animals with no habitat must move into urban environments - a future where the wild reclaims developed landscapes. Simon is embraced as an influential artistic visionary by the green cultural movement and his fantastic imagery and creativity bring to light important climate change issues.

"These two artists capture the essence of the Springs Preserve mission to make compelling information about environmental issues accessible to everyone," said Mike Spiewak, Springs Preserve Curator.

A recipient of the prestigious Rome Prize in 2005-06, Richard Barnes' photographs capture a behind-the-scenes look at dioramas and the common institutional practice of recreating natural settings to house taxidermied creatures. The images of animals crated in boxes or hanging from wires during exhibition installation exposes how out of place the animals really are in such settings.

About the Springs Preserve
Located three miles from the famed Las Vegas Strip, the Springs Preserve is a 180-acre national historic site featuring botanical gardens, trails, historical structures, restored wetlands, wildlife exhibits, a child's play area and a 1,800-seat amphitheater. Indoor experiences include two exhibition Galleries dedicated to showcasing art of local and national significance, on-site technologically advanced learning center and interactive museum exhibits, and the Springs Cafe by Wolfgang Puck. The Springs Preserve also hosts seasonal special events including concerts, arts shows and holiday experiences. Visit springspreserve.org or call 702-822-7700.

About the Artists
Richard Barnes was a recipient of the Rome Prize 2005-06, and is the 2009 Sidman Fellow for the Arts at the Institute for Humanities, University of Michigan. His work is found in the collections of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, among others. See www.richardbarnes.net for additional information.

Don Simon was awarded the New Jersey State Council on the Arts Fellowship in 2008, and the Full Artist Fellowship from the Vermont Studio Center the same year. His work is found in the collection of the Jersey City Museum. Visit www.donsimonart.com for more details.