News

Mount Pisgah Mushroom Festival 2024

The year's festival features a variety of activities, including: Mushroom Displays: Experts from the Cascade Mycological Society showcase a wide range of mushrooms, providing information about their identification, edibility, and ecological significance. Guided Nature Walks: Local naturalists lead guided walks through the Arboretum, highlighting the diverse fungi and other natural wonders of the area.

Live Music: Enjoy live music performances by local bands throughout the day.

Food and Crafts: A variety of food vendors and craft booths offer delicious treats and unique items.

Children's Activities: Kids can participate in fun activities like face painting and nature crafts. The festival is a great opportunity to learn about mushrooms, enjoy the beauty of the Arboretum, and have fun with family and friends.

We had a blast! It was amazing to connect with fellow nature lovers and share our passion for the outdoors. A special thanks to everyone who purchased one of our nature posters. Your support helps us continue creating beautiful art that celebrates the beauty of our planet.

#MountPisgah #MushroomFestival #NaturePosters #ArtPrints #SmallBusiness #mushroomcharts #mushroomposters #natureart #botanicalart

Why people decorate with vintage botanical prints?

There is a deep physiological reason why people are drawn to buy vintage botanical prints. The allure of these prints is not merely aesthetic but rooted in our human nature and biology. Physiologically, our brains are wired to respond to the beauty of nature, and botanical prints capture that essence. The intricate details of flowers and plants stimulate our visual senses, activating the pleasure centers in our brains. The vibrant colors and delicate lines of vintage botanical prints evoke a sense of calm and tranquility, providing a visual escape from the chaos of everyday life.

Furthermore, research has shown that being in nature or even just looking at images of nature can reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being. Vintage botanical prints offer a glimpse into the natural world, bringing a piece of nature into our homes. This connection to nature helps to create a soothing and nurturing environment, which can have a positive impact on our mental and emotional health.

In addition to the physiological benefits, vintage botanical prints also hold historical and cultural significance. They provide a window into the past, showcasing the botanical discoveries and scientific advancements of previous eras. Owning a vintage botanical print allows us to connect with the past and appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship of the time.

Overall, the deep physiological reason why people buy vintage botanical prints lies in our intrinsic need to connect with nature, find beauty in our surroundings, and create a harmonious living space. These prints not only add a touch of elegance to our homes but also provide a sense of well-being and a connection to the natural world. As we continue to navigate the complexities of modern life, vintage botanical prints serve as a reminder of the timeless beauty and serenity found in nature.

The Fascinating History of Bird Prints: From Scientific Illustrations to Modern Décor

Birds have captivated humans for centuries, inspiring art, literature, and science. One form of bird-related art that has stood the test of time is bird prints. These beautiful and intricate illustrations of birds have a rich history that spans centuries.

The earliest known bird prints date back to the 15th century, when woodblock printing was first introduced to Europe. At the time, bird prints were primarily used for scientific purposes, as they were a way to document and study the various species of birds. These prints were highly detailed and accurate, depicting the birds in their natural habitats and showcasing their unique features.

One of the most famous bird print collections is John James Audubon’s “Birds of America,” published in the early 19th century. Audubon’s prints were not only scientifically accurate but also beautiful and artistic. He depicted the birds in their natural habitats and posed them in lifelike positions, giving them a sense of movement and personality.

As printing technology advanced, bird prints became more accessible to the general public. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, chromolithography made it possible to mass-produce colorful bird prints. These prints were often used for educational purposes and could be found in classrooms and natural history museums.

In the mid-20th century, bird prints began to be used as decorative items in homes and offices. They were particularly popular in mid-century modern design, where they added a touch of nature to sleek and minimalistic interiors. Today, bird prints remain a popular décor choice, with many artists and designers creating modern interpretations of this classic art form.

In addition to their aesthetic appeal, bird prints have also become a popular subject for collectors. Antique bird prints are highly sought after and can fetch high prices at auction. Online marketplaces and auction houses offer a wide range of bird prints, from rare and valuable originals to affordable reproductions.

In conclusion, bird prints have a long and fascinating history that spans centuries. From their origins as scientific illustrations to their current status as popular home décor items, these beautiful and intricate illustrations have captured the hearts and imaginations of people around the world. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history buff, or an art enthusiast, bird prints are a timeless and captivating art form that will continue to inspire and delight for generations to come.

Mount Pisgah's Annual Mushroom Festival is a Spectacular Fall Event

Ocean Acidification

Natural Resources Defense Council for Healthy and Resilient Oceans

Charting Nature has been working with Dr. Lisa Suatoni, of the Natural Resource, to get the word out about ocean acidification and how it will impact ocean ecosystems and the animals living in them.   Shellfish and coral reefs are particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification and in consequence the entire web of life in the ocean.

Ocean acidification is the consequence of the oceans absorbing CO₂ emissions.  While most CO₂ is absorbed into the atmosphere creating a greenhouse effect, since the Industrial Revolution, the ocean has absorbed 25% of these emissions. 

Shellfish absorb molecules from the ocean around them to build their shells.  Shellfish—from very small terapods to larger fish are threatened because rising acidity depletes these molecules.  Ocean acidity weakens coral reefs for the same reason.  The molecules coral needs to absorb to build their skeletons are depleted by rising acidity levels causing reef collapse and threatening the million species living in them.

Ocean acidity also threatens the fishing industry and fishing communities—people who survive on a healthy ocean.  Acidity rises the fastest in cold-water regions, which are coincidentally the most prolific fishing waters.

The NRDC uses scientific illustrations from Charting Nature to articulate who will be affected by the acidification of the ocean and how.  Illustrations of fish and shellfish help us visualize the physical aspects of how life is threatened—life in the ocean and by extension our own.  Alaskan seafood industry is in danger from ocean acidification since creatures like the King Crab and fish whose food source is threatened by high acid levels and unsustatinable fishing practices are in danger. You can learn more about ocean acidification from Lisa Suatoni in collaboration with other scientists, fish experts, and narrated by Sigourney Weaver on the NRDC site.  Robert Redford has also collaborated with the NRDC to speak out against fossil fuel emissions and destructive fuel industries. 

The ocean is extremely resilient and we can help it to heal by helping boost its immunity and bolstering the health of the natural systems it needs to be strong.  One important way to help is through sustainable fishing practices, which allow fish populations to regenerate and keep the ocean healthy. 

We all benefit from biological diversity in the ocean and from keeping the waters of our planet healthy and resilient.

 For more information on Ocean Acidification go to http://www.nrdc.org/oceans/acidification/

Botanical Prints in the DC House of Design

On the Wall: Our fern prints at the Hotel Mozart in Opatija, Croatia

Prints in the Press: Our fern prints in Australian House & Garden

Fish Illustrations in the Gloucester Harbor Walk