Wagner Free Institute of Science
Come learn, draw and write about birds of North America at the Wagner with artists Susan Hagen and poets Nathalie Anderson, and Lisa Sewell.
About this event
JOIN US FOR OUR 1ST FALL SATURDAY OPEN HOUSE!
The Delaware River is a major flyway zone in the mid-Atlantic that millions of birds rely on for food and habitat. This Open House will highlight the Wagner's large bird collection and feature a special project by Philadelphia artist Susan Hagen, Birds of North America, her series of bird portraits. Join us for artist talks, drawing and poetry workshops by Susan Hagen and the two poets who contributed to the project, and to explore the Wagner's birds from North America and beyond. The Exhibit Hall and teaching garden will be open for visitors to celebrate and learn about the Delaware River and the North American birds it supports.
Susan Hagen will give an artist's talk introducing her Birds of North America project and show images of her exquisite miniature drawings of birds - a preview of the exhibit that opens on Sunday, October 3 at the Drawing Room Gallery in Kensington. She will also offer a bird drawing workshop in the museum using the Wagner’s collection of birds as models.
Nathalie Anderson and Lisa Sewell will offer readings of the poems they created for the project alongside the drawings that inspired their work. They will also give a bird poetry workshop open to participants of all ages and create a communal poem from everyone's work!
The event will also debut their book, Birds of North America, which includes all of the drawings and the poems they inspired. Signed books will be available for purchase in the gift shop and you can meet the authors at a Q & A to wrap up this special day!
In order to ensure a safe visit for everyone, we require masks for visitors and you can order your tickets online in advance.
SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
1 - 1:45pm Lecture Hall: Artist talk & readings by Susan Hagen, Nathalie Anderson and Lisa Sewell
2 - 2:30pm Museum: Bird drawing workshop with Susan Hagen
2:30-3pm Lecture Hall: Poetry workshop with Nathalie Anderson and Lisa Sewell
3-3:30pm Lecture Hall: Artist talk & readings by Susan Hagen, Nathalie Anderson and Lisa Sewell
3:30 - 4:00 Reading of poems from the poetry workshop; meet-the-authors Q & A
THINGS TO KNOW FOR YOUR VISIT
• Walk-in visitors are welcome. Advance ticket reservations are appreciated and will speed up your entry to the museum
• For the safety of all our guests, our staff will be masked and we require that all visitors over age 2 are as well
• In addition to the museum, our historic lecture hall, gift shop and restrooms are open to visitors
• There is no coat check or place to stow personal items – please travel light
• To protect the specimens and our historic interiors, photography is not allowed in the museum and food and drink are not permitted in the building.
• Please note, the museum is not air conditioned and there are no concessions. You may bring bottled water but please do not drink near the exhibit.
A dream that keeps growing…
In 1855, William Wagner had a dream of providing free science education to anyone who wanted to learn, regardless of background or ability to pay. Today, the Wagner offers more programs to more people than ever before! Your support helps us provide free education, not only through the museum, but through a wide range of courses, lectures, field trips, and children’s science programs. Donations also assist us in caring for the museum and library collections and in preserving our wonderful building, which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. To learn more about what we do please visit our website.
TICKET INFORMATION
In keeping with its original charter, admission is free—donations are suggested to ensure the future and quality of Wagner's free education programs and to preserve its National Landmark building and collections.
For free admission use WAGNERFREE code at check-out.
Suggested Donations
$10/adult
$5/person for college students & children
$0 - Wagner members (use WAGNERFRIEND code at check-out – we appreciate your support!)
For any questions, please email tickets@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x17.
If you would like to check your membership status or become a member, please email KellyT@wagnerfreeinstitute.org or call 215-763-6529 x11.