Join us Saturday March 5 for Crane Essence

Crane Essence is the journey of two artistic souls expressing their abiding affection for the Sandhill Cranes, endangered Whooping Cranes and the bountiful gifts of nature. Cynthia Duff’s brush strokes and Tricia Moon-Beem’s words capture the magical, spiritual and soulful essence of the cranes that so deeply touch the human heart and imagination around the world.

Fans of Duff’s work and those experiencing her artistic creativity for the first time will enjoy an exciting fresh new design. Several works for Crane Essence use wood as the canvas. Duff lets the wood’s natural beauty and grain, enrich the colors, as well as inspire the fragmented style that guides the eye through each painting. In Crane Essence Duff returns to her fascination and appreciation of the cranes, that first gained her regional and national acclaim with her contemporary expressionistic style and vibrant color.


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Moon-Beem’s poetry has a spiritual essence that emotionally connects and inspires readers. Her writings for Crane Essence send an uplifting message of hope and renewal that reflect her passion for the cranes and nature. Moon-Beem’s words and faith are interwoven with a call to action to “protect, preserve and conserve” God’s beautiful creations.

Crane Essence is the fourth collaboration by Duff and Moon-Beem, their others works include Prairie Mediations (2006), Kindred Spirits (2008) and Here’s To You – Cheers To Me (2010). Their works have exhibited at galleries and shows across Nebraska, Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. Their works reside in corporate and private collections around the U.S. and world. Duff and Moon-Beem have received numerous accolades including Moonshell Arts & Humanities Council Art Awards as well as appearing in regional and national publications.

This creative duo shines in Crane Essence, which proves to be another powerful collaboration. Crane Essence makes its Nebraska debut at Grand Island’s Prairie Winds Art Center (112 West Third Street). The public is invited to an opening artist reception and book signing on March 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. The “Crane Essence” exhibition will remain through March.

Duff and Moon-Beem will present a program, Collaboration & Inspiration, at the Edith Abbott Memorial Library, March 5, 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Also showing works from the 2010 Here’s To You-Cheers To Me collaboration through March. Public welcome.

Crane Essence artist reception and book signing March 5, 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. at the Nebraska Nature & Visitor Center (I-80 Exit 305). Selected works on display through March. Public welcome.