In West Chicago, non-profit Gallery 200 is having an opening reception on April 3rd, Friday from 6:00 - 8:00 PM, featuring Maria Ananieva's bird oil paintings. The title of the exhibit is "Feathers of Nature" and it will feature more than 30 paintings of common backyard birds and a few distinct species. As an avid birdwatcher herself, Maria is excited to celebrate the upcoming spring migration and invites the local community to come immerse themselves into the world of birdwatching and mindfulness. The admission is free and everyone is welcome!

It is a large‑scale community collaboration centered on empowerment, renewal, and creative expression. The centerpiece will be a 7‑foot‑tall phoenix sculpture with a 9‑foot wingspan, symbolizing rebirth and collective strength. There will be approximately 350 feathers on the phoenix created by using alcohol inks on synthetic paper, and the community will play a direct role in its creation.  It was inspired by my word of the year which is RISE and a strong desire to do something totally different involving the community.  

I will be teaching free classes for the inks starting in May and June.  Here is a picture of a phoenix ice sculpture that my sister Linda Cameron recently took in NH that I am using for inspiration although I'm pretty sure mine will look alot different.  I am hoping to have pictures as I go along with people helping and/or of the feathers.