Peggy Macnamara: In Flight

In Flight features a stunning selection of the work of watercolor artist Peggy Macnamara and is on display through May, 2026. 

Peggy Macnamara is a keen observer of the natural world. This selection of her watercolors centers on birds native to central Illinois, reflecting the museum’s mission to connect art, science, and our regional environment.

More than scientific illustration, Macnamara’s work captures fleeting moments in nature with both precision and spontaneity. The fluidity of watercolor mirrors the movement of her subjects, transforming careful observation into moments of wonder.

Her paintings radiate joy and curiosity—but also carry a quiet urgency. Aware of the global decline in biodiversity, Macnamara collaborates with natural scientists to turn art into a tool for conservation, supporting efforts to protect endangered species and ecosystems across the Americas.

Through her eyes, we’re invited to pause, look closer, and rediscover the beauty—and fragility—of the world around us.