January's Featured WI Endangered Species: The American Burying Beetle

My thoughts about the American Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus americanus):

They’re beautiful, they’re unique in their behavior, form and function, they like all other living creatures deserve to exist, and we all have a responsibility to help them, as we are the cause of their being endangered! Here’s what you can do to help:

1. Learn more about the American Burying Beetle. Bugs are not icky! And they’re not monstrous! Some people asked me if my painting is life-sized. (No, the beetle is about 1.5 inches long). Others were glad these beetles are no longer found in Wisconsin.

2. Act to help breed more of these beetles, place them back in the wild, and preserve their habitat.

Here are some ways you can learn and act to save the American Burying Beetle:

1. IMPORTANT UPDATE! An entomologist told me that he believes there are still American Burying Beetles in Wisconsin! They most likely are found in more remote places, where scientists haven't yet surveyed. So, keep your eyes peeled! And, contact the UW-Madison's Entomology department (see info below), to let them know if you've found one.

2. Help change attitudes towards insects! You can find out more from the Insect Ambassadors Program, at www.entomology.wisc.edu/insectam/index.html . Or you can go to www.entomology.wisc.edu for more general information, and to find links to national entomology societies.

3. Explore and support the St. Louis Zoo and the further a field Roger Williams Park Zoo. Both zoos are rearing the beetles, with the goal of reintroducing them to their original habitats. See www.stlzoo.org/wildcareinstitute/centerforamericanburyingbe and http://www.rwpzoo.org/conservation/beetlerecovery.cfm .

4. Donate to and get involved with private environmental organizations that fight to preserve natural spaces, such as your local Audubon Society, the Sierra Club, and the Nature Conservancy. Shahla Werner, the Madison Sierra Club head, is an entomologist, and is especially knowledgeable and passionate about insects.

5. Find more about the beetle through your state government, the WI DNR.
Go to http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/invertebrates/beetles/amerburying.htm
On your state tax form, check the Endangered Resources Donation box, and your contribution will be matched by state funds. See http://dnr.wi.gov/org/land/er/support/taxes.htm for more information.

6. Find out more from your federal government! See the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s website for more information on this beetle: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/Endangered/insects/abb_fact.html .

7. While we’re talking about the government…support politicians who oppose sprawl. Let your votes do the talking!

8. Live your life in a way that is respectful of other living creatures! For example, don’t build your house in the country. Oppose developers who build homes in the country. Support your local organic farmers.

9. Spread the word to relatives, friends, and acquaintances. Help change the world!!

American Burying Beetle: WI Endangered Species Poster

No Woman is an Island

A big thank you to the Madison Arts Commission for generously funding this project, LOST: Endangered Species of Wisconsin, through its BLINK Temporary Public Art Program. Also, much thanks to the Madison Audubon Society, and the Madison Chapter of the Sierra Club for supporting this project and the cause of saving endangered species! Please support them! You can find out more about the Madison Audubon Society at madisonaububon.org and the Madison Chapter of the Sierra Club at wisconsin.sierraclub.org. During this time of climate change and economic hardship, these animals and plants, and these organizations need your help more than ever!

Another big thank you to my references and encouragers, Megan Williamson, my sister-in-law and Chicago based artist, meganwilliamson.com, and Donna Magdalina, a Madison based graphic designer and friend. And a really enormous thank you to my husband, Ken Williamson, for driving all around Madison putting up these posters!

What Are These Posters About, Anyway?

In my artwork, I explore the place where art, science, education, and social activism meet. Through art, the artist immortalizes what is or may no longer be. In this case, these animals and plants may no longer exist because of our choices. Your interaction with my art is not simply a passive experience.

By using the "Lost" format, I hope to lead people to re-examine their attitudes and actions towards wildlife. People are heartbroken when they lose a pet, and people reading the pet owners' posters are moved emotionally, and if they can, act to reunite pet with owner. One reaction to seeing these posters of endangered species might be: "I love animals so how can I reconcile that with an acceptance of habitat degradation or destruction that leads to an animal becoming endangered?" These posters could lead people to learn more about the animal or plant's plight. They could be led to ask, "In what way is this animal lost? How might I help find it?", and possibly be moved to help prevent its extinction.

Ultimately, my art is a challenge to the viewer: Donate, volunteer, don't build a house in the country, oppose sprawl in your city. Live your life in such a way that my art becomes obsolete!