Rosemary Conroy

Wildlife Portraits

A portrait of a bobcat by Rosemary Conroy.Mesmerized by wildlife, Rosemary Conroy regularly visits far-flung places to find inspiration for her colorful paintings and has served on land trust boards that help protect local habitats. Rosemary shows in several galleries in the region and hosts an open studio every other fall. Her work is owned by people from around the world and is part of several non-profit and corporate collections.

She says, “People tell me that my work brings them joy. That is so incredibly gratifying! I feel lucky to be able to celebrate the beauty, wonder, and mystery of all our wild beings through my art — and have it really connect with people.”

His Harris Center exhibit — Into the Wildwill be on display throughout August 2020 in the Thelma Babbitt Room. Opening reception TBA.

Artist Statement

These paintings are part of my ongoing mission to celebrate the beauty, wonder, and mystery of the natural world. This is my dharma, my calling in life, and how I hope to serve the wild ones. It’s been a long journey getting here. And the Harris Center was an integral part of my way-finding.

A portrait of a black bear by Rosemary Conroy.My connection to the Harris Center goes back to the early 1990s, when I left a high-paying computer job and my hometown of Brooklyn, NY to attend grad school at Antioch University New England. Over those two marvelous years, I had the great good fortune to take several classes with then-director Meade Cadot in the “old” Harris Center building. Meade’s passion for his subject — whether ornithology, mammalogy, or wildlife management — affirmed that my own obsession with birds was quite valid (something that my family had serious questions about) and that I was on the right path.

Prior to this, most people I knew had jobs or careers, but rarely vocations. Every time I met birdwatchers, I was struck by their joy and love for the natural world. I wanted to make my life about celebrating and advocating for wildlife, too.

Meade helped me find my footing on this brand new path — first by making the coursework so engaging, and then through helping me get my first conservation job at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. While his vast knowledge and deep commitment were inspiring, it was always the twinkle in his eye when he spoke about birds* or bobcats or bears that really sold me.

When I left the Forest Society after eleven happy and productive years to pursue my art career, Meade invited me to serve on the Harris Center board, which was a great honor. And one of my very first solo art exhibitions was in the lobby of the newly remodeled Harris Center – nearly 15 years ago today!

So, I am particularly grateful to be part of the celebration of the Harris Center’s 50th anniversary. What marvelous work they have done to keep this part of the world wild and green and to educate people so they will want to protect that legacy. With deep gratitude, I dedicate this show to Meade Cadot and hope that these paintings bring a twinkle to your eye, as well.

* The bird paintings in my Harris Center exhibit represent eight of Meade’s favorite species.

Rosemary Conroy