Venice, CA—On Tuesday, August 2, 2011, The G2 Gallery will present Saving Cranes, an exhibition of photography focusing on the endangered Whooping Crane, that will benefit the work of the International Crane Foundation (ICF.) An opening reception will be held on Friday, August 26 from 6:30–9:00 pm with photographer Mike Sloat and a special presentation by ICF President & CEO Dr. Richard Beilfuss.
From a low of just 15 birds in 1941, the Aransas-Wood Buffalo flock of Whooping Cranes—the last naturally occurring population of Whooping Cranes in the world—has recovered to its present population of approximately 280 birds. Today, water diversions affecting the cranes’ wintering grounds in the Guadalupe River basin threaten to decimate the flock’s main food source, blue crabs. The International Crane Foundation is working with partners to raise awareness and protect the fragile gulf ecosystem sustaining the Whooping Cranes and many other species. Dr. Richard Beilfuss, President and CEO of the International Crane Foundation, notes “The Whooping Crane is among the most iconic species of North America, a symbol of the struggle for survival. We believe a win-win solution can be found in the Guadalupe basin, by finding a balance between the upstream water needs for cities, agriculture and industry and the downstream waters that maintain healthy coastal wetlands for Whooping Cranes and the livelihoods of many people along the Gulf Coast. Mike’s images capture the stunning beauty of these wetlands and our country’s largest and most endangered bird—sights we hope will remain for generations to come.”
As pictured by photographer Mike Sloat, Saving Cranes reminds us of our interconnectivity with the environment, and the need to balance meeting human needs with those of the living world around us.
QUICK FACTS
Whooping Cranes are:
• America’s tallest and rarest flying bird
• Down to one natural population with just 280 individuals
• Migratory between Aransas National Wildlife Refuge, Texas (winter) and Wood Buffalo National Park, Canada (breeding area)
• Endangered with extinction
• Threatened by drought and water diversions negatively impacting their winter homes
LOCATION: The G2 Gallery (www.theg2gallery.com)
1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291-3742
Tel. 310.452.2842, E-mail info@theg2gallery.com
Media Contacts:
Diane Shader Smith 310.386.6803, dianeshadersmith@gmail.com
Gia LaRussa 310.452.2842, gia@theg2gallery.com
About Mike Sloat
Mike Sloat has always been concerned with flight. For 36 years, he served as a decorated career military pilot. Today, he is an aircraft Safety Inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration and channels his passion into photography, capturing winged creatures like the Whooping Crane. Mike's interest in photography began more than 40 years ago when he acquired his first Kodak Box Camera. He now utilizes an assortment of Nikon equipment including a D7000 for his digital work, and an F100 film camera for black and white infrared. Mike's images are a representation of his ideals not only in regard to nurturing our environment, but also out of respect for animals that are flying, walking, crawling or swimming. His work has been featured in Texas Parks and Wildlife, Audubon Magazine, and the International Crane Foundation Bugle.
About the International Crane Foundation
Founded in 1973, the International Crane Foundation (ICF) is a non-profit organization committed to a future where all crane species are secure – a future where people cooperate to protect and restore wild populations and their ecosystems. These efforts sustain the places where cranes live, to the benefit of countless other species. For more information, please visit www.savingcranes.org.
About The G2 Gallery
Established in March 2008, The G2 Gallery in Venice, California, is a green art space with a dedicated focus on nature and wildlife photography. In keeping with G2’s commitment to supporting arts and the environment, the gallery presents exhibitions with eco-conscious themes, donating the proceeds from all art sales to environmental charities and hosts events that bring awareness of critical issues to our community.
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