Brian Jarvi, an award-winning member of the Society of Animal Artists, will present his exhibition “African Menagerie” at Fort Hays State University’s Sternberg Museum of Natural History from Sept. 30 to Dec. 21.
The centerpiece is seven interlocking panels housed in rich, walnut cabinetry that form a grand panorama depicting the African savannah and the animal kingdom. More than 50 related research sketches and mixed media studies surround the panorama.
The 32-by-14-foot centerpiece was recently unveiled for preview at the Myles Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids, Minn., near the artist’s home and studio with more than 800 people attending the standing-room-only event.
“African Menagerie” was inspired by Jarvi’s early childhood memories and his fascination with living collections of wild animals and paintings that portray large, varied groups of exotic creatures. His exhibit depicts the gathering of wildlife against a grand panoramic backdrop of the snow atop Mount Kilimanjaro.
In preparation for the creation of “African Menagerie,” Jarvi created more than 100 studies in pencil, charcoal, monochromatic oils. Six of them have been juried into major exhibitions, including the annual exhibition of the Society of Animal Artists.
Documenting the project will be a coffee-table book by Todd Wilkinson, author of several books, including “Last Stand: Ted Turner’s Quest to Save a Troubled Planet,” and “Kent Ullberg: Monuments to Nature.”