By Kelley Phillips—
ECI land trust with local artists and author have published a book of paintings and poetry.
Muncie, IN – Red-tail Land Conservancy has published their first book, titled “A Brush with Nature,” in collaboration with the Union City Plein Air Painters and local children’s book author Laurie Lunsford.
“A Brush with Nature” illustrates the actual forests, prairies, wetlands, and waterways of east central Indiana that have been preserved by Red-tail. In the book, the main character is a red-tail hawk who observes the changing seasons. Included in some of the paintings are hidden paint brushes that the readers are challenged to find.
The book’s author Laurie Lunsford wrote, “This is a book children will love and adults will enjoy reading with them. We hope it will give readers an appreciation for the natural world and inspire them to express their vivid experience through art.”
The Union City Plein Air Painters is a group of both amateur and professional artists from Indiana and Ohio that experiment with painting landscapes while outdoors. For “A Brush with Nature” the painters group visited Red-tail’s nature preserves. Many of the featured preserves are open to the public, like Dutro-Ernst Woods in Muncie and McVey Memorial Forest near Farmland.
Also included in the 38-page book are illustrated facts about wildlife that live in the habitats painted on the next page.
“‘A Brush with Nature’ is truly a story of the land,” said Kelley V. Phillips, Red-tail’s Communications and Outreach Manager. “The lyrical narrative and wide range of painting styles make it a sensory exploration for all ages. The book is equally fitted for storytime with children or displayed on the coffee table for visitors.”
“A Brush with Nature” is for sale on Amazon.com, in Minnetrista’s Orchard Shop and the Anderson Museum of Art’s gift shop. Proceeds benefit Red-tail Land Conservancy and their work to preserve beautiful landscapes and vital habitats in east central Indiana.
Phillips said, “This collection of poetry and paintings has the heart of everyone involved. We are deeply honored to be able to publish a book steeped in love of the land and thank all who made it possible.” More information can be found at www.fortheland.org/a-brush-with-nature.
RED-TAIL LAND CONSERVANCY is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that protects and connects habitats where wildlife and people thrive. By preserving and restoring forests, prairies, and wetlands, Red-tail Land Conservancy plans for a future where the natural beauty of east central Indiana will exist for generations to come. More information on public trails, volunteering, and conservation is at www.fortheland.org.
