Local artist finds nature's chorus

Chaffee, Mo., artist Aaron Horrell works in a variety of styles -- anyone who's seen his odd, abstract collage/paintings knows that.

But one constant in his work is nature, especially nature found in Southeast Missouri. On Tuesday, the artist, who holds a special place in his heart for the huge swamps of Stoddard County's Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, will present a talk about his passion for nature photography at the Conservation Nature Center in Cape Girardeau County Park North. The talk will occur against the backdrop of his current photography exhibit at the center, "Countenance/Mother Nature: A SEMO Chorus."

"Countenance" is a collection of nature photos taken within a short drive of his Chaffee, home.

Horrell is also vice president of the Mingo Swamp Friends, a not-for-profit group that seeks to promote awareness about the Wildlife Refuge. When his current exhibition comes down Wednesday, an exhibit of photography from the Swamp Friends' 2007 photo contest will go up and remain on display throughout November.

"So many of us don't ever stop to think about these places," Horrell said. "Many times we get off track and forget about animals and their habitats. We don't want that to happen here."

The public is encouraged to call ahead to reserve seating at 290-5218.