Museum of American Bird Art's New Acquisitions

In 2024, Mass Audubon’s Museum of American Bird Art (MABA) proudly expanded its collection with four notable works of art, all through the generosity of donors who support our efforts to curate a meaningful and relevant collection and educate audiences about the wonder of birds through art. 

Two of the gifts are striking large scale paintings by Robert Verity Clem, growing our collection of this beloved Massachusetts-based painter. MABA also received an extraordinary gift from Barry Van Dusen, an accomplished local painter and Mass Audubon friend, in the form of three sketchbooks filled with stunning depictions of nature and birds from his time at Mass Audubon’s wildlife sanctuaries during his artist residency from 2015-2017. 

Finally, a hand-carved wood and oil relief plaque of a Blue Jay by James W. Folger, representing the artist's exceptional craftsmanship, became the first of the artist’s works to enter the collection. We are deeply grateful to all our donors for their generosity and for their vision in helping to grow and enrich the museum’s fine art collection. 

To explore MABA's collection and lecture series, visit us online

Snowy Owl, Chatham, gouache by Robert Verity Clem, 1968. Gift from the Prentice and Patty Stout Family in Memory of Gardner Stout, 2024. 

Peregrine Falcon at Taughannock Falls, gouache by Robert Verity Clem, 1960. Museum purchase from the Art Acquisition and Restoration Fund through a gift from David D. Croll, 2024. 

3 Original Sketchbooks by Barry Van Dusen, 2015-2017. Gift of the Artist, 2024. 

Carved and Painted Blue Jay, wood and oil paint plaque by James Walter Folger, 1886. Gift of Joseph H. Ellis, 2024.