Pieces of wood washed up along the shores don’t seem like much to most beach goers, but to some, each piece tells a story and becomes part of a larger vision.
The Pascagoula River Audubon Center is proud to feature the driftwood birdhouses and art pieces of local artist Pete Floyd in its Moss Point Fine Art Gallery. There are 20 different art pieces depicting a sailboat, flying birds, and bird habitats utilizing materials found in and around the river, bayous and barrier islands.
From August 19 to October 16, these pieces of art can be viewed and purchased by visiting the Center or by visiting the virtual center at Pascagoula.audubon.org. A FREE artist reception will take place on Thursday, September 3, from 4 to 6 p.m. where guests can visit with the artist and gain a better understanding of how he gets his inspiration for his pieces of art.
“We are proud to host this artist reception both on site and virtually,” said Susan Stachowski, manager of the Pascagoula River Audubon Center. “Tune into Facebook live at 5 p.m. as we introduce Mr. Floyd and highlight his art.”
For visitors attending the reception onsite, all social distancing protocols will be followed. Guests inside the gallery will be limited, and masks are required inside the facility. The reception will be held outside in the Perch under the interpretative center. Light snacks and beverages will be served, and anyone under 21 must be accompanied by an adult.
Floyd, who started Pascagoula Perches many years ago, began using the driftwood to create varieties of bird house habitats for bluebirds, ducks and owls, to name a few, but then he began to have other visions in the driftwood. Floyd said his works of art are inspired by a life on the water watching birds and a desire to bring a smile to those who love the natural world.
“Each piece of driftwood deposited on the shore by Mother Nature is unique in the eye of the beholder,” he said. “While some envision birds, snakes or alligators, others see turtles, fish or skinks.”
He said some of his creations are a combination of wings, heads and bodies sculpted by the dynamic forces of the natural world.
“None are altered but are just used as puzzle pieces to create imaginary denizens with characteristics of animals indigenous to Mississippi,” Floyd said of his art creations.
For more information, please call the center at (228) 475-0825 or visit the website at https://pascagoula.audubon.org. To make purchases online, visit the online gallery HERE.
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