Visions of the Boreal Forest
Art, Science and Adventure in the Northern Wilderness
A project of the Wilderness River Expedition Art Foundation,
the Canadian Wildlife Federation and the
Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History
The Boreal
Contents:
1. Executive Summary2. Issue Description
3. Project Description
4. Participants
5. Assessment Estimate
6. Continuity
7. Funding Sources
Prepared by Rob Mullen, Executive Director
Wilderness River Expedition Art Foundation
3488 Stage Rd.
West Bolton, VT 05465
(802) 881-8259 - cell
rob@robmullen.com
Norther Lights on the George River; Aug 31, 2005
www.wreaf.org, www.wreaf-borealrivers.org
Executive Summary:
Ringing the northern globe, the Boreal Forest is the largest and most intact terrestrial ecosystem on Earth. Though critical for climate, cultures, fresh water, habitat, breeding grounds, resources, energy and the human spirit, and despite overwhelming scientific studies supporting its conservation, it nonetheless remains largely "out of sight, out of mind" to the general public. WREAF's goal with "Visions of the Boreal Forest" is to enlist art as well as science to promote awareness, knowledge and an emotional connection with this ecological treasure, helping to build an informed constituency to spur and support its conservation. We have some of the top nature artists and paddlers in the world, and the National Museum of Natural History, working on the expeditions. Combined with the Smithsonian Institution as the hosting venue, puts us is in a unique position to be effective advocates for the Boreal Forest.
Issue Description
The Boreal Forest, circumpolar in extent, is the largest terrestrial ecosystem on Earth and the greatest wilderness in the world. In an age of vanishing and fragmented habitats, its expanse of unbroken forest across Canada, Alaska, Siberia, and Scandinavia is unique and presents inestimable value as a "cold-spot" biological resource. Beyond the contiguous ecosystem, the Boreal Forest exists in pockets in the northern US, Europe and Asia. This enormous forest ecosystem provides:
• 40% of Earth's carbon-sink capacity (ability to absorb CO2)
• 80% of the liquid fresh water on Earth
• Dozens of unique indigenous cultures
• Nesting grounds for 50% of North American birds (75% of waterfowl)
• A last and greatest bastion (habitat and population reservoir) for myriad species
• The greatest diversity of fungi anywhere in the world
• Immense sources of energy, minerals, timber and paper pulp
• Finally on a more ineffable level it is a remnant of the wild and non-human Earth; a source of romantic adventure, beauty
and personal challenge; a wellspring of the human spirit
Ironically, however, this critical ecosystem, within a day’s drive of most residents of the industrialized world, is virtually unknown to the general public. Compared to the smaller and far more remote Amazon, it is totally off the radar screen. We seek to help change that.
Project Description
This project combines art, science and adventure, enlisting the heart as well as the mind to promote conservation of the Boreal Forest Ecosystem. The project has two components:
1. The Raw Material:
The Expeditions: Crews of internationally known artists on remote rivers experience the wilderness they are going to paint intimately and intensely. In addition to the artists, due to educational, safety and publicity goals, we have a support crew of expert paddlers, writers, researchers and medical personnel, many of whom are themselves among the best in their fields. These on-going expeditions have run every year since 2001 and are continuing on other rivers of the Boreal Forest and adjoining ecosystems.
2. Finished Product:
A. Exhibition(s): In late 2005 the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History (NMNH) committed to host an exhibit of materials from the expeditions in Washington DC. The Director who made the commitment, however, left the museum before the exhibition agreement was finalized in 2006. We started again early in 2007 and now have obtained all the necessary preliminary approvals and will again present the exhibit to the new Director with the full and enthusiastic backing of a several museum departments.
The exhibit is a multi-disciplinary display of field notes, sketches, photography, plein-air and studio paintings by the participating artists, supplemented with scientific/cultural materials provided by the Smithsonian's Arctic Studies Center, the Canadian Boreal Initiative, Boreal Songbird Initiative and their associated scientists. The exhibition premiered in the summer of 2007 and the tour is shaping up:
The Wildling Art Museum: Los Olivos, CA June 24 – September 9, 2007
The Wildlife Experience: Parker, CO February 23 – May 18, 2008
These exhibitions and other will lead up to the main exhibit at the NMNH in Washington DC. For the NMNH exhibit the science component will be greatly expanded by several curators in the NMNH. In light of the level of participation in the exhibit by NMNH curators and the direct involvement of WREAF in portraying NMNH research efforts in Labrador and Quebec, it is possible or even probable the Smithsonian will tour the exhibition after its installment in Washington. One way or the other, our goal is for the exhibit to travel throughout North America. It will be a primary means of raising awareness of the Boreal Forest among the public along with the attendant publicity of exhibit openings and coverage of expeditions in news media.
These initial exhibits highlight the 2006 expedition to the George River in Nunavik (Arctic Quebec) because of Robert Bateman's participation (Mr. Bateman’s one man exhibit in 1987 was the largest grossing show in the history of the NMNH), but include works from artists on all the expeditions.
Beyond these initial exhibitions the long-term goal is to establish an on-going exhibition of wilderness expedition art and science. There are many artists of high quality throughout the US, Canada and abroad who wish to participate in future expeditions and exhibits, and most of our sponsors have specifically expressed a desire to see the project continue well beyond the Smithsonian exhibit.
B. Publicity: Magazine and Newspaper coverage - Smithsonian Magazine, Burlington Free Press, Sault Star, San Diego Union Tribune, San Bernardino Sun, Santa Maria Star, Canadian Geographic Magazine, Canoe and Kayak Magazine, Paddler Magazine, CanoeRoots Magazine, Wildlife Art Magazine, and several other Canadian paddling magazines are confirmed or have already run at least one article with more planned. The science journal Nature, National Geographic Explorer, and Backpacker are possible along with publications suggested by the Canadian Tourism Commission. As we progress, more will doubtless develop (see CBI reference below in re Web Coverage). Crew members Gary and Joanie McGuffin are widely published in magazines and newspapers throughout NA "Nature" senior writer Erika Check will be on the October 2008 Labrador crew and writing for Smithsonian Magazine and or Nature.
C. Web Coverage: WREAF maintains www.wreaf.org and is updating it daily. The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) will feature the expeditions and exhibitions on their website to provide publicity. The Vancouver, BC based "Artists For Conservation" (formerly WNAG) is prominently featuring the George River 2006 expedition as part of their Flag Expedition Program on the WNAG Web site - the largest and most widely visited Web site in the nature and wildlife art community. Several other sponsor/participants have major websites that may have extenxive coverage of the project. Most recently WREAF has partnered with the Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI). CBI developed a website specific to the project; www.wreaf-borealrivers.org that compliments www.wreaf.org.
D. Books and documentary: Gary and Joanie McGuffin may produce a book based on the journeys. They are the authors of 5 previous best-selling volumes on their adventures and potential 2007 crew member Cliff Jacobson is one of the most widely published outdoor writers in America. While not part of the 2006 expedition, we have several high quality documentary film makers interested in the project; one (Kate Geis) is an Emmy Award winner.
Participants
Robert Bateman: Canada; Special Guest Artist. Signature member of the Society of Animal Artists (SAA), NYC; Signature member of World Nature Artists' Group (WNAG), Vancouver, BC. One of the finest and best known wildlife artists in the world. Experienced wilderness canoeist who has traveled in the Ungava region and is renowned and respected not just for his art, but for his dedication and contributions to conservation causes throughout the world. With his stature within the wildlife art and conservation communities and his relationship with the National Museum of Natural History he is naturally the focal artist of this project.Linda Besse: Washington, USA; SAA, AFC - Nationally known wildlife artist (www.besseart.com) **New WREAF member.
Steve Bruno: Ontario, Canada; Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.
Jean-Louis Courteau: Quebec, Canada; Artist/paddler. Exceptional French-Canadian landscapist, Jean-Louis is an experienced canoeist and field painter (www.jlcourteau.com/).
Dr. Jim Evans, MD: California, US; Wilderness first aid expert. Jim is a Board certified ER physician and serves on the San Bernardino County Wilderness Search and Rescue Squad. He is a true expert with vast experience with emergency medicine in the bush. A member of the 2005 Recon Crew.
Lindsey Foggett: UK / California, USA; SAA, WNAG - Artist/paddler. Lindsey, a Featured Artist in many top US shows, has been a full time painter for nearly 25 years. Lindsey was on the 2003 Missinaibi trip (rain and snow for 200 miles), the 2004 Chapleau River crew and the 2005 George River Recon. A paragon of true British pluck when the going gets tough (www.lindseyfoggett.com).
Buff Grubb: South Carolina, USA; Brand Manager of Mad River Canoe, subsidiary of Confluence Water Sports. Member of the Board of Directors and future crewman.
Tony Jenkinson: Labrador, Candada; Health expert and co-founder of the Tshikapisk Foundation.
Cole Johnson: New York, USA; SAA - Nationally known wildlife artist (www.colejohnsonart.com/). **New WREAF member.
Jay Johnson: Massachusetts, USA; SAA, AFC - Nationally known wildlife artist (www.jayjjohnson.com/). ** New WREAF member.
Lee Kromschroeder: California, US; Artist/paddler. A top US painter for nearly 30 years. As a member of the 2004 Chapleau River crew, when we lost a freshly cleaned walleye overboard, Lee dove to the bottom and retrieved it. Crew epicure and cook.
Dr. Stephen Loring: Maryland, USA; Anthropologist/paddler. Dr. Loring has done research in the George River region for over 30 years for the NMNH's Arctic Studies Center, Smithsonian Institution. The George River was his suggestion and he is a veteran wilderness canoeist (www.mnh.si.edu/arctic/).
Gary and Joanie McGuffin: Canada; Renowned wilderness canoeists, two of the best in North America. Author's of 5 Best Selling books, innumerable newspaper and magazine articles. Members of the 2005 recon crew, they are helping lead the expeditions and are members of the Board of the Wilderness River Expedition Art Foundation. They are both key long-term partners in this project with enormous contacts and experience in conservation, publishing, publicity, finance and adventure (www.garyandjoaniemcguffin.com).
Sila McGuffin: Ontario, Canada.
Rob Mullen: Vermont, USA; SAA, WNAG - Artist/project leader; Founder/Executive Director WREAF; nationally known wildlife artist, experienced wilderness canoeist. Art expeditions in ’01, ’02, ’03, ’04 and ’05 (www.paintnpaddlestudio.com).
Steve Oliver: Pennsylvania, USA; Nationally known wildlife artist (www.steveoliverart.com/). **New WREAF member.
Patricia Pepin: Quebec, Canada; SAA, AFC - Leading Canadian wildlife artist (www.patriciapepin.com/).
John Pitcher: Vermont, USA; SAA - Artist/paddler, John has been a top US wildlife artist for over 30 years. A member of the original 2001 Missinaibi expedition, John is a fabulous field naturalist, Vietnam combat veteran and excellent wilderness traveler (www.goldleafstudiosinc.com).
Andrea Rich: California, USA; artist/paddler (www.andrearich.com/).
Bonnie Rowell: Quebec, Canada.
Sue Westin: Vermont, USA; SAA - Nationally known wildlife artist (www.goldleafstudiosinc.com). **New WREAF member.
Jeff Whiting: British Columbia, Canada; Noted Canadian wildlife artist and founder and President of Artists For Conservation (AFC).
Ken Whiting: Ontario, Canada; Freestyle Whitewater Kayak World Champion. A professional paddler, author, producer of several paddle-related videos and leading instructor in his field, Ken will be on future expeditions.
2008 Lake Kamestastin Labrador; September 29 - October 18, 2008
Linda Besse, Cole Johnson, Jay Johnson, Steve Oliver, Gary McGuffin, Rob Mullen, John Pitcher and Sue Westin.
2008 Slate Islands, Lake Superior Ontario; September 2 - 8, 2008
Steve Bruno, Gary and Joanie McGuffin, Sila McGuffin, Rob Mullen and Bonnie Rowell.
2008 Lake Superior NMCA Winter trek: February 1 - February 12, 2008
Gary McGuffin and Rob Mullen.
2007 Crew: Lake Superior North shore; Tea Harbor to Rossport. July 15 – July 31, 2007
Steve Bruno, Gary McGuffin, Joanie McGuffin, Rob Mullen, Patricia Pepin and Andrea Rich.
2006 Crew: Main Expedition, George River, Nunavik. September 1 – September 18.
Robert Bateman, Jean-Louis Courteau, James Evans MD, Lindsey Foggett, Lee Kromschroeder, Dr. Stephen Loring PhD, Gary and Joanie McGuffin, Robert Mullen and John Pitcher.
2005 Recon expedition August 30 – September 12: George River, Nunavik
Dr. James Evans MD, Lindsey Foggett, Gary McGuffin, Joanie McGuffin, Robert Mullen, Jeff Whiting and Ken Whiting.
Past and future crewmembers:
Carl Brenders: Belgium; Artist/paddler. Signature member Society of Animal Artists, Carl is, with Bob, one of the top wildlife artists in the world.Dan Smith: US; SAA, WNAG - Dan is one of the top wildlife artists in the US. Ted Kerasote, US; widely published author has written for many of the leading publications in the US and was the 2004 National Outdoor Book Award recipient.
Kate Geis: US; Emmy Award winning videographer for the WNAG. Kate is an experienced paddler and likely on a future crew when we pursue a documentary.
Chris Emmerick: US; Also a prominent award winning videographer for the WNAG. Chris is a highly skilled paddler and adventurer and is a possible for a future crew depending on schedules.
Kalon Baughan: US; Artist/paddler. Signature member of the SAA, Kalon is not only an excellent artist, but also a former US National Downriver Canoe Champion (2nd in 2004) and is planning on being on a 2009 expedition in Labrador.
John Banovich: US; John is one of the best known and most successful wildlife artists in the US, and an ardent conservationist. 09.
Don Luce: US; Curator/paddler. Curator of exhibits, Bell Museum Minneapolis, MN. Avid and experienced wilderness canoeist.
Nigel Shaw: Canada.
Cindy House: New Hampshire, USA.
Claudio D'Angelo: Quebec, Canada.
Terry Donohue: New Brunswick, Canada.
There are many more artists wanting to be on future expeditions.
Support personnel:
Buff Grubb: Sponsor/advisor.Stephen Nash Esq.: California/Texas, USA; Attorney/advisor potential crewman.
Tanya Moore: Ottawa, Canada; Regional Coordinator; Canadian Boreal Initiative (CBI).
Stephen Bruno: Ontario Tourism Marketing Partnership Corporation.
Dr. William Fitzhugh: Director Arctic Studies Center, Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
Assessment:
For the expeditions, success is measured in safe, enjoyable and productive trips for the participants, especially the artists. The artists need to have enough reference and experiences to produce a body of work from each trip. Since the front line of the art in the exhibits will be the studio paintings, (none of our current crew are primarily plein-air painters) it takes some months before anything but a subjective assessments can be made, and even then, assessing art is to a degree a subjective exercise. However, given that all the participating artists are well respected professionals, it is safe to assume that we will have plenty of high quality material to assemble the main exhibit from.
The finished products of this project will be easier to assess objectively through attendance of exhibitions, number of venues we can secure, the amount of media exposure we generate and popularity of any book(s). A good early indicator is the interest we've had from museums, which has been excellent. Considering Robert Bateman's popularity and name recognition, the prestige of the Smithsonian Institution, and the mass market potential of the print media, sophisticated web exposure, outdoor trade shows and possible books, our chances of significantly advancing awareness and appreciation for the Boreal Forest are considerable, though the actual effect will be difficult to quantify.
Continuity:
The centerpiece expedition on the George River in 2006 was the sixth of ten expeditions as of September 2008. Rob Mullen and Dr. Loring ran the Rio Grande as our first non-boreal river in Dec-Jan ‘06/’07, the Lake Superior expedition was our first lake trip, Gary McGuffin and Rob Mullen did a Boreal Forest snowshoe trek in January 2008 and we are joining the Mushua-Innu at their fall encampment at Lake Kamestastin for the first of hopefully several expeditions with them in October.
As is likely apparent, the George River and the initial exhibitions are not our end goal. All of the artists involved are of national and international caliber and the interest in joining this effort among artists of similar quality from around the US, Canada and abroad has been intense. Most of our sponsors specifically want this to be an on-going project. With a successful initial exhibit and publicity, these exhibits of wilderness expedition art could conceivably continue as the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum's 1975 "Birds in Art" Exhibition did. From a similar beginning, Birds in Art became one of the most prestigious wildlife art venues, celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. Robert Bateman was instrumental in helping Birds in Art become a major exhibit and is a key figure in this project.
No association of artists since Canada's Group of Seven in the early 20th Century has traveled and painted in the wilderness from direct and intimate experience. They are certainly the inspirational forerunners of this project. Maybe the time has come to adapt their idea of such group expedition/exhibitions to promote conservation issues.
For more information, please visit our partner Web site: http://www.wreaf-borealrivers.org/
