BOISE, ID.- John James Audubon (1785 - 1851) is known throughout the world for setting the standard against which all wildlife art is measured. He assured his place in art history by changing forever the way birds are illustrated. While replicating physical features with uncanny reality, he incorporated narrative elements and aesthetic touches that made the birds come alive in their natural environments and elevated the images to the status of fine art.

The exhibition John James Audubon: American Artist and Naturalist will be on display at the Boise Art Museum through August 29, 2010 and features original Audubon paintings and drawings alongside 64 hand-colored engravings from the artist's masterwork, The Birds of America folio. Printed between 1826 and 1838, these exquisite engravings belong to the art collection and document archives of the John James Audubon Museum and State Park in Henderson, Kentucky. The artworks are presented with a variety of Audubon artifacts, including personal letters, rare books and journals. At BAM, the exhibition is accompanied by a range of educational programs designed for people of all ages. BAM will also offer special programming to augment the exhibition, such as lectures by art experts and ornithologists, and teacher education workshops.

Organized from the Collection of the John James Audubon Museum, Henderson, Kentucky.