PRINCETON, N.J. — The public is invited to a special reception at D&R Greenway Land Trust, Johnson Education Center at One Preservation Place, on Sunday, March 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. to meet and enjoy artwork by James Fiorentino, one of the most renowned watercolor artists in the country.
Joining James will be syndicated cartoon artist, author and playwright, Patrick McDonnell who will share his inspiration for his popular comic strip “MUTTS.” There is no charge to attend; reservations are required at info@drgreenway.org, or by phone.
A new visual display of local photographers’ images of D&R Greenway’s stunning preserves and events asks visitors to reflect on their own experiences on preserved land. You are invited to leave a note or drawing to illustrate your visit to a D&R Greenway preserve, making you a part of this unique exhibit.
In addition to Fiorentino’s wildlife and sports art, and McDonnell’s framed comic strips with original signature and remarque, this exhibit features popular botanical artist, Liz Cutler who retired as a long-time teacher from Princeton Day School. Patrick McDonnell will offer books for sale with personalized signature at the reception.
James Fiorentino is considered one of the most renowned sports artists in the country. At the age of fifteen, James was the youngest artist to be featured in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum for his likeness of Reggie Jackson, which hung beside the paintings of Norman Rockwell and Andy Warhol. His painting commemorating Roberto Clemente remains in the museum as a part of their permanent collection.
In 1994, he became the youngest artist to win Beckett Magazine’s annual sports art competition for the likeness of Hall of Fame pitcher Steve Carlton. When Beckett opened up the competition worldwide the following year, James triumphed again with a stunning collage of Muhammad Ali. When Ali saw James’ latest work of himself, the greatest said, “James, you are the greatest.”
“I am always honored to have my works displayed at D&R Greenway’s Johnson Education Center. It is one of the best spaces to showcase art and to also have an exhibition with other great artists such as my friend Patrick McDonnell making it even more special. This exhibition has some of my best works that I have been able to put down on paper in watercolor depicting nature and wildlife.”
James is a member of the New Jersey Watercolor Society, Garden State Watercolor Society, American Watercolor Society, National Watercolor Society, Salmagundi Club, Society of Animal Artists and Artists for Conservation. James is also a trustee of the Raptor Trust of NJ and D&R Greenway Land Trust.
Sales from comic strip to benefit the land trust’s work to preserve and care for land, maintain public trails, grow food for the hungry, and inspire a conservation ethic. Proceeds from art and book sales benefits D&R Greenway’s mission to preserve and protect land, and inspire a conservation ethic.
Additional information is available at www.drgreenway.org, or by calling D&R Greenway at 609-924-4646.
About D&R Greenway Land Trust: D&R Greenway Land Trust is an accredited nonprofit that has reached a new milestone of over 22,000 acres of land preserved throughout central New Jersey since 1989. By protecting land in perpetuity and creating public trails, it gives everyone the opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors. The land trust’s preserved farms and community gardens provide local organic food for residents of the region—including those most in need. Through strategic land conservation and stewardship, D&R Greenway combats climate change, protects birds and wildlife, and ensures clean drinking water for future generations. D&R Greenway’s mission is centered on connecting land with people from all walks of life. www.drgreenway.org; info@drgreenway.org. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.