At the James Museum of Western & Wildlife Art up on the second floor debuted a new exhibit called Rare Air from artist Sarah Kaizar. I went to check this exhibit during its debut, and it left me with a number of messages.

The exhibition showcases 70 illustrations of bees, birds, bats, and butterflies. These also include species that are found in Florida. The highlight of these chosen creatures is that they are able to fly and are endangered. With each illustration it invites the viewer to not only admire the pen-to-ink drawings, but to pause and reflect about the subject’s urgency for survival and what we may do to help protect these creatures before they are gone

The exhibit is based upon the book “RARE AIR” authored by Sarah Kaizar herself.

Upon absorbing the exhibition, I was honored in being able to meet up with the artist Sarah Kaizar and learn a little about the story behind the art. I found myself crossing a bridge from the art world to conservation in which I managed. Sarah agreed that this was a huge hope for her that people from the world of art can see the world of conservation and conservation is introduced to the beauty of art. I believe she achieved this with myself, and I am certain many others that walk through and engage her vision through art.

The one thing that really stood out to me as certain colors with certain creatures and I asked her of the meaning of the colors. Surprisingly, it was added to turn a basic black and white (which she has always been doing) into a drawing with something to it. It may have not had much meaning other than emphasis for color, but I found myself still searching for the meaning of a certain color with a certain bird.

Sarah, from Philidelphia, is delighted to bring her work to Florida. She also draws endangered mammals, but limited this exhibit to creatures of flight, hence “RARE AIR.” I highly recommend checking this exhibition and learn from it. Sara’s message through her art will successfully be conveyed through this exhibit and I look forward to seeing more or her work in the future.

The exhibit runs through September 14th at the James Museum in St. Petersburg and is also complemented by a range of special adult, family and youth programs designed to enhance the visitor experience and provide opportunities for deeper engagement. Be sure to check out The James Museum website for more details.

David “Thrills” is an avid enthusiast of thrill parks and entertainment activities in the Tampa Bay Area. Be sure to follow me on instagram or twitter for live updates or email me at tampathrillme@gmail.com for any questions or concerns. The RARE AIR invitation was courtesy of the James Museum, but all opinions of the exhibit are of mine own. Pictures were taken with permission from the James Museum.