AAS 2012 Gala Event

Join members of the Atlanta community who care about birds and the environment by celebrating the Atlanta Audubon Society’s 40th anniversary. The 2012 Gala is Saturday, October 20, from 6:30 pm to 10:00 pm at historic Glenridge Hall in Sandy Springs. Please read the details below.

The Setting
Glenridge Hall is a private estate listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in 1929 for an Atlanta businessman, the home served as a weekend retreat for his family. The style is that of an elegant hunting lodge surrounded by 47 acres of stunning gardens and woodlands. The family graciously offers use of the home for special events sponsored by nonprofit organizations. Guests will be free to wander through the magnificently decorated first-floor rooms and onto the expansive terrace. The property’s resident manager will attend the event and be available to answer questions about the home, its furnishings, and its history.

The Featured Speaker
The evening will center on a presentation by the renowned naturalist, artist, writer, and National Public Radio commentator, Julie Zickefoose. Ms. Zickefoose has written and illustrated three books: Backyard Birding: Using Natural Gardening to Attract Birds; Letters from Eden; and most recently, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Birds. Her extensive credentials include having served as a primary illustrator for the 17-volume work, The Birds of North America, a project of the American Ornithologists' Union and the Academy of Natural Sciences. Inspiration for her work often comes from the 80-acre nature sanctuary in the Appalachian foothills of southeast Ohio, where she lives with her husband, Bill Thompson, III, editor of Bird Watcher's Digest. Ms. Zickefoose is an engaging speaker, whose warmth, insight, and sensitive spirit linger with listeners long after her personal appearance. Copies of her books will be available for purchase and signing.

The Featured Guest
For the past 28 years, Russell Clayton has collected the art of bird illustrator, Athos Menaboni (1895-1990), an Italian-born artist who came to Georgia in 1927 and lived in Atlanta until his death. In 1950, TIME magazine referred to him as "Audubon's heir." From 1941 to 1984, Menaboni painted birds used to illustrate the annual holiday cards of Atlanta’s Robert W. Woodruff, the leader of the Coca-Cola Company for six decades. A collection of Menaboni prints is displayed in the grand entrance of Glenridge Hall. While in high school and college, Mr. Clayton was a pen pal of Mr. Woodruff’s and developed a close friendship with Mr. Menaboni. In 2007, Mr. Clayton founded a gallery (sponsored by the Woodruff Foundation) at Kennesaw State University dedicated to Menaboni’s life and work. During the evening, guests may view the collection of Menaboni prints as well as a mural the artist painted in the home's breakfast room. Mr. Clayton will talk with guests and answer questions about the artist.

The Reception
The evening includes an elegant catered buffet and an open bar of beer, wine, and other beverages. Dessert will be served with shade-grown coffee, compliments of the Atlanta Audubon Society’s own supplier, Cafe Campesino. Cocktail attire is requested.

Four 50-year-old lithographs of Athos Menaboni’s illustrations will be offered in silent auction.

The Purpose
The Atlanta Audubon Society is a mainstay among nature organizations in metropolitan Atlanta. Throughout the year, the society offers field trips free of charge and extensive educational workshops for children and adults. The society advocates for the protection of the environment so that birds and other wildlife continue to enrich our communities. The 2012 Gala is a fundraising event intended to enhance the organization’s ability to preserve the natural world in Atlanta and promote its appreciation, particularly enjoyment of the wonder of birds. The Gala is also a time for learning, enjoyment, and socializing with like-minded friends of nature.

The Tickets
A limited number of tickets is available and everyone—members and nonmembers who want to support the society—is invited. Tickets can be purchased online at www.atlantaaudubon.org (through PayPal), by calling the Atlanta Audubon Society’s office at 678-973-2437 (MasterCard or Visa accepted), or in person at the society’s office in the Blue Heron Nature Preserve (cash, check, or charge). Tickets are $100 per person for AAS members. Non-member tickets are $125 which includes a year's membership in AAS. Additional donations are tax deductible.

After purchase of a ticket, directions to Glenridge Hall and additional information will be provided. For further information about the event, please call the office at 678-973-2437.