Victory Park
1201 N. Pershing Ave.
Stockton, CA  95203
(209) 940-6300   
info@hagginmuseum.org

Virginian Opossum, 1845, John James Audubon

Primarily known for his magnum opus, The Birds of America, Audubon is a textbook example of the quintessential adventurer/artist who trekked across the American wilderness to pursue his passion to record the birds and mammals of a country teeming with species never before documented in the world of science.

In the late 1830s, as the details were being finalized for the completion of his monumental Birds of America project, Audubon began to collect material for an equally impressive study of North American mammals. It proved more difficult than he had anticipated, as many native animals were nocturnal and their habits were hard to learn. He was greatly aided by his two sons, John Woodhouse and Victor and by his good friend, Dr. John Bachman, a Lutheran minister in Charleston, South Carolina. The first specimens he collected were shipped to him at his home in New York preserved in barrels of rum. He would later make the journey up the Missouri River in the footsteps of other artists, such as George Catlin, Karl Bodmer and Alfred Jacob Miller, to personally document the little-known wildlife of the frontier.

The Viviparous Quadrupeds of North America was published between 1845-1848 and features some of the finest images of North American animals ever made. They are wonderfully animated, expertly executed and beautifully printed in large (22 x 28 in.) format. According to experts, only 300 sets of 150 images were sold by subscription, making the works very rare.

This exhibition includes many glamorous and popular animals such as: Ocelot, Jaguar, Lynx, Male Cougar, Female Cougar, Grizzly Bear, Beaver, Black Wolf, Red Texan Wolf, Wolverine, Virginia Opossum, Northern Hare, Cross Fox, Collared Peccary, Horned Antelope and Columbian Black Tailed Deer.

This exhibition is a unique opportunity to view Audubon's lithographic works and to appreciate his skills as an artist, observer and interpreter of nature. Audubon's legacy lives on in his life's work and the profound influence he had on future generations of scientists and artists. Today there is a preservation society named after him, and his highly coveted works are on the walls of museums and in rare book libraries all over the world.

Large Tailed Skunk, 1846, John Woodhouse Audubon

ART WORKSHOPS FOR FAMILIES

July 8-18 & July 22-August 1
The Audubon prints of North American mammals will be the inspiration for the museum's Summer Art Workshop for children ages 5-11. Those participating will explore different printmaking techniques: storyfoam, wood and linoleum block printing, chop marks, collagraphs and monoprints. The first session will be held July 8-18 and the second session will be held July 22-August 1. The cost is $40 per session for museum members and $50 per session for nonmembers. All materials are included. Space is limited for these sessions and advance registration is required. Contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6315 or education@hagginmuseum.org.

Saturday, July 12, 1:30-3:00 p.m.
The museum's monthly Art Adventures workshop for families with children ages 5-12 will also be inspired by Audubon's magnificent mammals. On Saturday, July 12, 1:30-3 p.m., participants will create their own images using the process of gel medium to transfer photocopy images onto paper. This event is included with museum admission but advance registration is required as spaces are limited. Contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6315 or education@hagginmuseum.org.

THURSDAY EVENING GALLERY TALK
Thursday, August 7, 7:30-8:00 p.m.

Dr. Greg Anderson of the University of the Pacific will give a gallery talk on Thursday, Aug. 7, 7:30-8 p.m., about John James Audubon's animals and their legacy in natural history. Light refreshments will be served at 7 p.m. and the museum will stay open until 9 p.m. for visitors to view the exhibition during the evening hours.

This special event is included with regular museum admission and no reservations are required. For more information, contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6315 or education@hagginmuseum.org.

GALLERY TALK FOR KIDS
Saturday, August 23, 2:00-2:30 p.m.

Dr. Greg Anderson of the University of the Pacific will give a special gallery talk for kids on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2:00-2:30 p.m., about John James Audubon's animals. It will be followed by a hands-on activity in the gallery.

This special event is included with regular museum admission and no reservations are required. For more information, contact Curator of Education Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6315 or education@hagginmuseum.org.

MUSEUM INFORMATION
The Haggin Museum is located in Stockton's Victory Park, 1201 N. Pershing Ave., and is open Wednesday-Sunday, 1:30-5:00 p.m. and 1st & 3rd Thursdays, 1:30-9:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults 18 and up; $2.50 for youth ages 10-17, students with a valid I.D., and seniors 65 and over; and free for museum members and children under 10 accompanied by an adult. Free Admission Saturday will be held on October 4.

Free docent-led tours may be booked in advance by contacting Curator of Educator Lisa Cooperman at (209) 940-6332 or education@hagginmuseum.org. For disabled access, call ahead at (209) 940-6311 or 940-6317.

The Museum Store is open Wednesday-Sunday, 1:30-4:30 p.m.