Kuhn, considered one of America’s most accomplished painters of wild animals, was the featured guest at a symposium devoted to American Wildlife Art which will be held at the Santa Barbara Club, 1105 Chapala Street, in Santa Barbara on October 16, 3:30 to 6:00 p.m. The symposium had been organized by the Wildling Art Museum in Los Olivos in conjunction with the current exhibition, “Bob Kuhn: Mammals Up Close and Personal,” continuing through January 8, 2006.

The symposium begun with an illustrated lecture, “The Story of American Wildlife Art,” by David J. Wagner, Ph.D., a nationally known writer, lecturer, museum curator and tour director specializing in wildlife art. He has curated exhibitions for the Society of Animal Artists and the National Geographic Society, among others, and has been a Juror for the U.S. Department of the Interior Duck Stamp competition.

Following the lecture, Dr.Wagner interviewed artist Bob Kuhn about his life and work and the Museum presented Kuhn with its 2005 Wilderness Spirit Award, honoring an individual or organization “whose efforts have contributed to better understanding and appreciation of America’s wilderness.” The symposium will concluded with a reception for the artist.