RARE AIR Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Melinda Hartline
HARTLINE Communications
813.494.7768
[email protected]
Stephanie Adamo
Director of Marketing
727.892.4200 ext.1037
[email protected]
RARE AIR Soars at The James Museum with a Powerful Fusion of Fine Art and Conservation
Opening May 9, the Visually Captivating Exhibition Showcases 70 Endangered Species of Flight
April 16, 2025 – St. Petersburg, FL – Beginning May 9, RARE AIR soars into The James Museum with a powerful fusion of fine art and conservation. This thought-provoking exhibition showcases 70 beautifully detailed illustrations of endangered birds, bats, butterflies and bees, including species found in Florida. In this call-to-action for wildlife conservation, Philadelphia-based illustrator and designer Sarah Kaizar captures the beauty and fragility of endangered species of flight through her meticulously detailed renderings. The exhibition runs through September 14. Learn more at thejamesmuseum.org/rareair.
“Hosting an exhibition featuring drawings of these remarkable creatures in The James Museum’s Earth and Humanity Foundation Wildlife Gallery demonstrates the museum’s commitment to showcasing the variety of the natural world and the importance of conservation in these changing times,” said James Museum Executive Director Robin Nicholson.
More than just a visual journey, RARE AIR serves as a call to action for environmental awareness. Based on the book “RARE AIR,” authored by Kaizar with writing by A. Scott Meiser, the exhibition highlights endangered species of flight through pen-and-ink drawings that are scientifically accurate and artistically engaging. Each portrait captures not only the likeness of its subject but the urgency of its survival, inviting viewers to pause, reflect and protect these creatures before they disappear from our skies.
“Viewed up close, Sarah Kaizar’s intricate drawings become quiet reflections on our natural world and the ever-growing need to protect it,” said Emily Kapes, Chief Curator of The James Museum.
“My work lives where art and the environment collide – a space full of wonder, urgency and possibility. I strive to create pieces that spark curiosity and cultivate a deeper empathy for the natural world we share,” said Artist Sarah Kaizar. “By hosting this exhibition, The James Museum is providing a powerful opportunity to connect with others through a shared love for art and the planet.”
Accompanying the artwork are informative and engaging programs allowing visitors to discover how small, everyday actions can have a lasting impact on our environment, right here in Tampa Bay. From helping foster safe bat habitats to learning about threats to Tampa Bay waterways to discovering the impact of small plastic pellets known as nurdles (a major source of marine pollution) on our local beaches, RARE AIR highlights real, local actions that contribute to a healthier and more balanced biosphere for all. The exhibition empowers guests to recognize their role in the larger ecological picture and take steps toward lasting impact.
Programs include:
MEMBER EXCLUSIVES
May 17 | RARE AIR Exhibition Opening Reception
ADULT PROGRAMS
May 15 | Book Club: The Secret Lives of Bats: My Adventures with the World’s Most Misunderstood Mammals by Merlin Tuttle
May 17 | Take Flight! A Conversation with RARE AIR Artist & Author Sarah Kaizar
June 6 | The Nurdle Patrol: Spreading Awareness of Plastic Pellets with Jace Tunnell
July 1 & August 9 | Tampa Bay Watch Pop-up Program | Ocean In Focus: Microscopic Life & Microplastics
August 5 | Sip & Make: Build A Bat House Workshop
YOUTH & FAMILY
May 17 | Family Day: Take Flight
RARE AIR is the second of four special exhibitions planned for The James Museum in 2025. The exhibitions allow visitors to encounter extraordinary works of art while exploring the compelling stories and voices behind them. For more information on the 2025 exhibitions and related events, visit thejamesmuseum.org/special-exhibitions and follow the museum on Instagram and Facebook for sneak peeks and behind-the-scenes looks at each exhibition.
Key Takeaways
- Fusion of Fine Art and Conservation: RARE AIR is a compelling exhibition that combines fine art with environmental advocacy, featuring 70 pen-and-ink illustrations of endangered birds, bats, butterflies and bees – including species found in Florida.
- Artist and Book Connection: The exhibition is based on the book RARE AIR by Sarah Kaizar, with writing by A. Scott Meiser. Kaizar’s detailed, scientifically accurate illustrations bring attention to vulnerable species of flight.
- Conservation Message: More than a visual experience, RARE AIR is a call to action for environmental awareness, spotlighting the fragility of endangered species of flight and encouraging visitors to engage with conservation efforts locally.
- Local Relevance and Engagement: The exhibition is paired with educational programs that highlight real, local environmental issues in Tampa Bay – such as pollinator protection and plastic pollution – offering visitors practical ways to make a difference.
###