Bald Eagles have long been the subject of paintings, photographs, and folk art.  Much rarer is art that has actually been created by an eagle.  The Wildlife Center of Virginia is unveiling an untitled painting created by Buddy, a Bald Eagle who is a permanent resident of the Center.

The painting was created earlier this year by Buddy, with the assistance of Center environmental educator Claire Thain.  Thain created a palette of non-toxic, washable paints and encouraged Buddy to express himself by walking and hopping across the palette onto a large sheet of paper.  

The result – a colorful, eye-catching abstract painting, perhaps in the spirit of Jackson Pollack.  “It’s really quite beautiful,” says Amanda Nicholson, the Center’s Outreach Director.  “We were hoping for a unique item, and we’re delighted that Buddy’s work was also very artistic.”

The painting, which measures approximately 14 by 11 inches, has been professionally matted and framed [23 by 19 inches].  The painting will be offered at auction at the Wildlife Center of Virginia’s annual Gala and Benefit, on November 5 at the historic Stonewall Jackson Hotel in Staunton.  Proceeds from the evening support the lifesaving work of the Wildlife Center, a wildlife hospital that will treat about 2,500 wild animals during 2011.

Watch the artist in action.

Other highlights of the Gala and Benefit include:

• A cocktail and hors d’oeuvres reception.  This event is sponsored by some of the Center’s education animals who will attend the Gala and provides an “up-close” opportunity to meet and mingle with some of the Center’s wildlife ambassadors;

• A silent auction, featuring wonderful and unique items, from inexpensive delights to breathtaking jewelry and original art.  Items will include luxury “night-on-the-town” and travel packages … the works of talented artisans and crafters … and gifts for kids and kids-at-heart.

• A live auction, featuring a South African photo safari, rare estate jewelry, NASCAR tickets, an Outer Banks vacation, art by Shenandoah Valley artist P. Buckley Moss and Charlottesville photographer Paul Goossens … and the Buddy painting. 

Tickets for the evening begin at $100 per person.   Those unable to attend the event may submit absentee bids. 

Click here for additional information on absentee bidding.