Birds on a Wire/Lessons from Nature

Project overview

The Turtle Bay Exploration Park and McConnell Gardens have become a gathering place for the North State community.  This complex along with the Calatrava Sundial Bridge and Sacramento River trails draws visitors from all over the world.

The far northern communities of California have historically been a difficult population to reach. The past history of settlements in these rugged territories has centered on mining, logging and ranching.  In addition, Native Americans traditionally living in these areas were forced to move into more distant and isolated lands. The result created a culture of rugged, independent individuals that pride themselves on a strong sense of self-reliance. The vast majorities of these Native people remains unrecognized, so many Native people remain isolated and do not trust outside direction. 

About the Artist

John Harper was Born in Redding, California.  He served in the Army Security Agency as a specialist in radio intelligence in Germany during the early 1970’s. During this time he visited art museums and became fascinated with painting and drawing. Upon his return, John attended Shasta Community College and San Jose State University where he received a BFA and MFA.  Before beginning a long career in teaching, he was the Art Curator at the Redding Museum and Art Center. From 1986 – 2011 he taught art at Shasta Community College, where he is a Professor Emeritus.  His work has been shown at galleries and museums in the United States and Japan.