Beyond merely connecting us to the natural world, the artwork in Birds of the Northeast: Gulls to Great Auks (on view January 22 to May 14, 2021) reminds us of the toll taken on bird habitats since the beginning of European colonialism in North America. As the delicate ecosystems that allow birds of all species to thrive came under attack, birds were hunted for food and ornamentation, and their habitats were destroyed.

Curated by the museum's Frank and Clara Meditz Executive Director Carey Weber and Fairfield University biology professors Brian Walker, PhD, Jim Biardi, PhD, and Tod Osier, PhD, the exhibition complements the installation on Fairfield’s campus of "The Lost Bird Project" by artist Todd McGrain (on view from October 2020 to August 2021). These monumental sculptures, created as public memorials to North American birds driven to extinction in modern times, present a chronicle of humankind's impact on our changing world and a moving record of dwindling biodiversity.

Later in the month,  “By Design: Theater and Fashion in the Photography of Lalla Essaydi,” a solo exhibition by artist Lalla Essaydi, including 22 works highlighting the artistic process behind the creation of the artist’s carefully staged photographs, will be on view January 29 to May 21, 2021.

Morrocan-born, New York-based Essaydi's experiences have inspired her to create politically astute work that deconstructs and reimagines stereotypes of Muslim womanhood. Her time in Morocco exposed her to the nation’s rich history of architectural design and the ceremonial occasions so important to daily life, both of which are featured in her photographs.

Learn more about both exhibitions and their companion events and lectures on the museum's website.