Close to Home: Animals of North America by the Society of Animal Artists, a juried exhibition featuring original artwork by members of the Society of Animal Artists, highlighting the creatures big and small that call North America their home. 

"The Society of Animal Artists (SAA), has its roots in the 1950s, originating from a group of New York City artists who regularly met to paint at the Bronx Zoo. This collaborative spirit led to the 1958 exhibition "Animals in Bronx Zoo" at the Burr Gallery, an event supported by the New York Zoological Society. Following the success of this show, Guido Borghi and Patricia Allen Bott were motivated to establish a formal organization. This new Society quickly found a home within the Salmagundi Club at 47 Fifth Avenue. While early shows took place in various New York galleries, the first official members' exhibition occurred from May 22nd to June 4th, 1960, at Burr Galleries. Sponsored by the Bronx Zoo, this milestone event showcased the work of its members alongside pieces by distinguished artists William R. Leigh and Carl Rungius.

Following the momentum of the exhibition and original group of artists, the first officers organized the formal Society in 1960. The SAA is “devoted to promoting excellence in the artistic portrayal of the creatures sharing our planet, and to the education of the public through art exhibitions, informative seminars, lectures, and teaching demonstrations.  The SAA’s membership, past and present, represents a veritable who’s who of artists from around the world."

Twenty-two artists were members of the SAA in its first year. Currently, the organization has over 400 members from 26 countries.

Thumbnail: Barn Owl, Rita Chang, no date. Acrylic on wooden cradle board. 

Banner: Big Blue, Kim Diment, no date. Acrylic on board. (detail)

Above: Should I Stay Or Should I Go?, Kelly Leahy Radding, no date. Watercolor. (detail)