CHICO, Calif. — The Snow Goose Festival wraps up its four-day run on Sunday, but bird lovers will still have plenty to see indoors.
The exhibit features 100 selected works drawn from a pool of roughly 300 submissions. Limited gallery space inside MONCA’s three-wing building meant many pieces had to be left out, according to museum officials.
“There is an exhibition committee of six people, and we all vote on it,” said Pat Macias, MONCA’s director.
While many of the artists hail from Northern California communities such as Chico and Corning, the show attracted submissions from across the state.
“Oh, they come from Berkeley, they come from San Jose, they come from all of the areas in between,” Macias said.
Macias said birds continue to inspire artists because of their vivid colors, intricate feather patterns and symbolism.
“They’re beautiful. They do such interesting things,” she said. “They feed each other, they fly over, and an artist can interpret that any way they want.”
Visitors were already stopping by the exhibit even before its official public opening. Regina, one of the early viewers, said art appreciation is fundamental.
“I think people should appreciate art,” she said. “I think they do appreciate art. It’s a part of being human.”
Another visitor, George, said one owl painting stood out to him because of how it extended beyond the frame.
“It’s kind of cool that it leaves the page and goes onto the wall,” he said.
The exhibition “Perch, Flutter, Soar” will remain on display at MONCA through March 15. The museum is open Thursdays through Sundays, and admission is $5.