Welcome to a very special WILDLIFE drawing session with Appleton Drawing Club! Draw live from a menagerie of incredible hawks and falcons. These majestic avian ambassadors will be visiting us from River Valley Raptors. You'll have an up close encounter with these remarkable birds, with plenty of time to draw from direct observation and learn about them with the help of local falconers and avian educators. Shake off the winter with an incredible night getting to know hawks and falcons!

About River Valley Raptors

Proceeds for this event will be donated to River Valley Raptors. River Valley Raptors’ mission is to protect the unique habitat and biodiversity of the Driftless Area. We strive to achieve this mission through community engagement, education, and conservation. River Valley Raptors, Inc. was founded in 2018 by Abbey and Joe Krumrie. Natives to the Driftless Area, Joe and Abbey both started working with raptors in 2009. They have worked at several education and wildlife rehabilitation centers throughout the U.S. Joe became a licensed falconer in 2013 and Abbey in 2015. Abbey is also a certified professional bird trainer through IATCB and both Abbey and Joe are members of the International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators.

About the Avian Ambassadors

River Valley Raptor educators will be bringing hawks and falcons from their mystical menagerie of Avian Ambassadors. Some of the ambassadors you might meet are:

• Rosita the Red-Tailed Hawk
• Ariel the Northern Goshawk
• Rocket the Merlin Falcon
• Sophie the Barn Owl
• Cyrus the American Kestrel

If we're lucky, we might even meet:

• Maverick the Golden Eagle

And maybe even a special guest:

• LOCAL LEGEND Kyle the Hawk (with licensed falconer Brandi Grahl)

Details and what to expect

• This event is open to all ages and all experience levels
• Bring your own easel and preferred art supplies, basic materials are available as a backup
• Untutored but beginner friendly! A session leader will be available to answer questions or provide other support.

Agenda

• Pre-session: find a spot and set up your materials!
• Welcome and introduction: meet the birds and learn about River Valley Raptors
• Open drawing time! Draw as much as you wish or just enjoy the company of the birds and fellow artists. We'll take a couple breaks between focused drawing time.
• Q&A with River Valley Raptors educators and the birds
• Clean up and share your work on the drawing pile!