The work of Meghan Kolk and George Reed will be featured in the Harbor Gallery at the Nature Center of Cape May for the month of October. The public is invited to the ‘Meet the Artists Reception’ on Friday, October 6th from 4-6pm. “We welcome these two amazing artists as we turn our attention to birds this Fall.”, explains Gretchen Whitman, Sanctuary Director. “Meghan’s art depicts many birds of New Jersey and George Reed’s bird houses are truly works of art.” Light refreshments will be served. All artwork is for sale, with a portion of sales going to support New Jersey Audubon’s Nature Center of Cape May.

Meghan Kolk, originally from North Jersey, moved to Cape May County in 2016 to follow her dream of becoming a wildlife biologist. Meghan has worked for various conservations organizations, specializing in the protection and recovery of threatened and endangered species. She is currently a Conservation Scientist working with coastal avian species and horseshoe crabs.

Meghan had an interest and passion for art from the time she could hold a pencil.  She is also an avid beachcomber and shell collector. In an attempt to combine all of her passions, Meghan developed a multi-media style that is inspired by her love of birds and the beach. She uses natural items collected from the wrack line, such as shells, smooth stones, and driftwood to create her pieces, demonstrating the connection between the birds and their habitat.

Meghan’s current work features bird species only found in New Jersey, depicted on the bottoms of weathered wooden crab baskets found along the Delaware Bay. Through her artwork, she hopes to inspire others to appreciate, respect and protect the fragile coastal habitat and the wildlife that depend on it.

George Reed is a lifelong resident of Cape May County.  He has spent his entire life on the Delaware bayshore in Reeds Beach; an area in Middle Township that carries the family name.  He began his hobby of crafting birdhouses from discarded cedar fences more than 20 years ago. Cedar is naturally weather-resistant, and when assembled with screws instead of nails, his birdhouses last many years with minimal care.  The houses include hinged doors for easy clean out after each season.  You may notice various sized entry portals on different styles of his birdhouses.  This feature makes each house appealing to various species of birds.  George designs his birdhouses to provide a safe and cozy home for the bird families inhabiting them as well as a decorative addition to our yards and gardens.

For more information please contact Nature Center of Cape May at 609-427-3045.