The Roger Tory Peterson Institute announces an exhibition of Amy Tan’s original artwork and journals in celebration of her new book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles.

“Amy Tan is beloved throughout the world as an author,” said Arthur Pearson, CEO of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. “She’s also a gifted sketch artist and an avid birder. Like Roger Tory Peterson, himself, she uses her art and her writing to draw herself into a deeper relationship with birds, which in turn inspires all of us to do the same.”

Amy Tan’s Backyard Birds features pages from Tan’s journals, which form the basis for The Backyard Bird Chronicles, published by Penguin Random House. The exhibition opens at RTPI on Saturday and runs through August 25.

As part of the exhibition, RTPI will host two programs. The first is Observation as Inspiration: The Value of Nature Journaling with Amy Tan and John Muir Laws. During the online program Friday from noon to 1 p.m. Tan and Laws will discuss how keeping a nature journal helps people to become more attuned to nature.

“My start in nature journaling and drawing came through workshops with John Muir Laws, co-founder of the Wild Wonder Foundation,” said Amy Tan. “I not only learned to draw, I discovered I could live more deeply in the moment, with curiosity, awe, and gratitude.”

For the second program – Sunday,Aug. 4, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. – Tan will join RTPI in person for a gallery tour, followed by a conversation with RTPi’s curator Maria Ferguson. Afterword, Tan will be available to sign copies of her book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles.

“I would describe Amy Tan’s art practice as that of intentional curiosity,” said Maria Ferguson, RTPI’s curator. “The result of such practice is a sense of deep observation and wonderment about the birds, through which she exemplifies our shared human desire to feel connected with and find refuge within the natural world.”

The June 7 online program is free of charge, but registration is required. The August 4 in-person program is a ticketed event. The gallery walk is $100 and limited to 25 people. The curator conversation, followed by the book signing, is $25 and limited to an additional 75 people.

To register for one or both events, visit RTPI’s website at rtpi.org, scroll down to Featured Programs & Events, and click on the program choice or call 716-665-2473.