Rhea Edge’s Studio

In continuing her focus on bird and wildlife conservation through art as activism, Rhea’s environmental paintings and prints have often addressed habitat destruction and the role of predatory behaviors on species survival. Her work is informed by a lifelong interest in biology and natural history, museum studies and direct exposure to human conflict. Nature study in the tropics has offered the opportunity for direct observation and experiences inclusive of magnificent discoveries, great beauty and increased understanding of the significance of actions that promote preservation.

Rhea’s current art brings back an early fascination with mythological and religious histories, archeological artifacts and feminist perspectives. Her work has always merged the relationship of animal and habitat destruction with the harm also done to human beings by means of predatory behaviors.

In Mclean County, Illinois, Rhea’s work can be viewed at the Uptown Normal Transportation Center, third floor, the Illinois State University Milner Library Special collections floor, and in the auditorium at ISU’s Bone Student Center. Rhea has provided leadership at Eureka College as a Professor of Art, Associate Dean of the Faculty, Chair of Fine & Performing Arts, Arts & Education Chair and Director of the Burgess Memorial Hall Art Gallery. She was president and then vice-president of the John Wesley Powell Audubon Society, a local chapter of National Audubon, on the Board of the Watercolor Honor Society, twice a YWCA woman of distinction nominee, and a recipient of the City of Bloomington’s Cultural District Art Commission. Her work has been widely exhibited.