A Gift to Radnor Lake State Natural Area
On October 5, 2023 at Dyer Observatory, the Friends of Radnor Lake held their annual Environmental Awards, where a painting was donated by Kim Barrick on behalf of herself and The Chestnut Group, “This gift is a culmination of over 15 years of collaboration between artists and conservation and trying to save a place [Radnor Lake] that means so much… to me and many others. This gift is in honor of Steve Ward and all of you who protect Radnor Lake and the long partnership Steve has fostered with The Chestnut Group,” said the artist.
In the receiving of the painting, Greer Tidwell, Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Environment and Conservation, read the title of the painting, “Twins,” and the inscription, which read in part, “Recognizing the 2nd hatch of the 2nd year of a bald eagle pair at Radnor Lake, and the 400th registered nest in Tennessee.” Commissioner Tidwell said, “I want to say a few words about the power of art. Aldo Leopold was the grandfather of conservation, a man who told us to think like a mountain, think long-term, think long-term. Leopold was writing to the ranchers, hunters, and fishermen, people who already loved the outdoors, to generate their active passion and care to conserve. Rachel Carson, wrote Silent Spring, in 1963, the year I was born, and a ton of research went into that book. With that title, she was recognizing the loss she was witnessing, the power of art, and the possible taking away of spring music. Kim, you and the whole Chestnut team have been real leaders in recognizing how the power of art can move people to conserve.”
Kim Barrick speaks to attendees while Friends of Radnor Lake board President Rob Cochran and Park Manager Steve Ward prepare to show the gift. Photo credit: Renee Bates.
Friends of Radnor Lake board President Rob Cochran, Commissioner Greer Tidwell, and artist Kim Barrick are pictured from left to right. Photo credit: Renee Bates
