Painting, Printmaking and Art Instruction

UPCOMING EVENTS 

PLEASE HELP SAVE THE ACADEMY OF NATURAL SCIENCES  save-the-academy.org 

On September 1, 2026, Drexel University announced that the museum of the Academy of Natural Sciences in Philadelphia - the oldest natural history museum in the United States - would close at the end of September. To say I was devastated by the news is an understatement. I have spent countless hours sketching in the exhibits and being inspired by the museum. I first started volunteering there in the early '90s, worked my way up to becoming a part-time teacher-naturalist and eventually a full-time employee in the Education department. I also did occasional illustrations for special exhibits and Outside In. I saw first-hand the impact the museum had on people, literally changing the course of children's and teenagers' lives, sparking life-long interest in science and nature, whether as a career path or enrichment. It breaks my heart to think that future generations may not have the same opportunity. To lose this resource, and to lose the historic significance of this museum would be a terrible blow to Philadelphia and beyond.

A community effort was started to save the Academy by making local and state political leaders aware of what we stand to lose if something isn't done. Even though the museum is now officially closed to the public, you can still sign the petition, volunteer to spread the word, contact your local political leaders or put up flyers in your area. Please visit save-the-academy.org for more information. They have 12 suggestions for actions you can take to help the effort. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!