Discover nature at Runge Nature Center with exhibit by Missouri artist Pen Brady

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Discover nature through Missouri artist Pen Brady’s contemporary artistic impressions in A Macrocosm of Design: Diversity in Missouri Flora and Fauna. This exhibit, which features 12 original prints, is open to the public to view for free through Aug. 31 in the lobby of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) Runge Nature Center, MO Hwy. 179 in Jefferson City.

“Pen Brady’s work is a beautiful, unique artistic view of wildlife that is found here in Missouri,” said Kathy Cavender, Runge Nature Center manager. “Her artwork really captures the grace and beauty of Missouri flora and fauna, and I think will appeal to young and old alike.”

After attending Missouri Western State University in St. Joseph, Brady worked as a graphic designer, a botanical and zoological model builder for major museums and science centers throughout the world, and pursued her private career as a fine artist. Developing an interest in the art of the Pacific Northwest Coast in the mid-1990s, she began to experiment with the structure and imagery of that genre. Her work soon metamorphosed from the traditional iconic styles into her unique and distinctively personal perspective of the natural world.

“The use of line and solid shapes reveals aboriginal art roots that helped develop my technique,” said Brady. “Within each painting, I try to capture the grace and beauty that is inherent in all living creatures and offer that to the observer for a visual experience and a celebration of life.”

A Macrocosm of Design is on display in the Runge Nature Center’s lobby 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each Tuesday through Saturday, with extended viewing on Thursdays till 8 p.m. The facility is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

Runge Nature Center is located on Hwy 179 in Jefferson City approximately one half mile north of Hwy 50. For more information, call Runge at 573-526-5544 or visit mdc.mo.gov and search “Runge.”