Inspired by Nature: Birdwatching with Alumna Cina Alexander Forgason ’73 and Al Reinert
Foxcroft presents Rara Avis: John James Audubon and the Birds of America as part of the Helen Cudahy Niblack ’42 Arts Lecture Series
To prepare for our visit from conservationist, producer and alumna Cina Alexander Forgason ’73 and writer/director Al Reinert, who were recently on campus to screen their film Rara Avis: John James Audubon and the Birds of America, the Foxcroft community became a little obsessed with birds. Several Morning Meetings had a backdrop of live webcams trained on a variety of bird’s nests, including the DC eagle cam with the newly hatched eaglets, a pair of great horned owlets, a snow-covered red-tailed hawk incubating her eggs and a bird feeder cam that had an incredible amount and variety of bird activity. Librarian Steve Matthews told us about the history of the remarkable Audubon Birds of America folios (one of only 350 printed) that live in Currier Library. Also in the library, bulletin boards were refreshed with bird-themed displays.
Biology teacher Meghen Tuttle took her students on a birdwatching walk and then spent time pouring over the folios and discussing Audubon’s impact on the conservation movement. For extra credit, a few students in Alex Northrup’s AP Human Geography class worked on developing a birdwatching “app” that would allow the Foxcroft community to map where they have encountered some of the more common birds on campus.
By the time Forgason and Reinert arrived on campus, the entire community was anticipating the screening, and was excited to spend the day with the pair. At Monday’s Morning Meeting and following an introduction by Forgason's niece, senior Lucy M. '16, they took questions about the film, their interest in Audubon and their creative approach to the Audubon story. They then split up to cover more ground. Forgason was a guest in Tuttle’s three Biology classes, talking about her work in conservation, and Reinert met with a small group of students interested in filmmaking and journalism (Reinert’s pre-film career). The afternoon included soundchecks, a test of the audiovisual equipment, and the last-minute addition of 50 more chairs to accommodate the growing list of people outside of Foxcroft coming to the screening. At over 400 attendees, this turned out to be the largest screening so far for the film. A Q&A with Forgason and Reinert followed.
Back
By the time Forgason and Reinert arrived on campus, the entire community was anticipating the screening, and was excited to spend the day with the pair. At Monday’s Morning Meeting and following an introduction by Forgason's niece, senior Lucy M. '16, they took questions about the film, their interest in Audubon and their creative approach to the Audubon story. They then split up to cover more ground. Forgason was a guest in Tuttle’s three Biology classes, talking about her work in conservation, and Reinert met with a small group of students interested in filmmaking and journalism (Reinert’s pre-film career). The afternoon included soundchecks, a test of the audiovisual equipment, and the last-minute addition of 50 more chairs to accommodate the growing list of people outside of Foxcroft coming to the screening. At over 400 attendees, this turned out to be the largest screening so far for the film. A Q&A with Forgason and Reinert followed.
Their visit and the screening were made possible by the Helen Cudahy Niblack ’42 Arts Lecture Series, which has as its theme this year, “Inspired by Nature.” Established by Austi Brown ’73 in memory of her mother, the series began in 2007 and has brought a variety of literary, performing and fine artists to Foxcroft to share their work, stories and perspective on the nature of the creative process with both students and the larger community. One of the goals of the Niblack series is to provide an artist with the opportunity to share her artistic journey in a comfortable and familiar setting, creating space for an exchange of ideas that just might inspire a Foxcroft girl or two to chase her own artistic dreams.
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An all-girls boarding and day school in Northern Virginia, Foxcroft prepares young women in grades 9-12 for success in college and in life. Our outstanding academic program offers challenging courses, including Advanced Placement classes and an innovative STEM program. Our premiere equestrian program is nationally recognized, and our athletic teams have won conference and state championships. Experience the best in girls' boarding schools: visit Foxcroft.
