Sunset River Marketplace art gallery in Calabash, NC is set to feature Holly Merker, who will speak about her book, Ornitherapy: For Your Body, Mind and Soul, on Thursday, April 28 from 11 a.m. – 12 noon as part of the gallery’s ongoing Coffee With the Authors series.
Merker, who co-wrote the book with Richard Crossley and Sophie Crossley, has a background in art therapy, but today uses birds and nature toward the same goals of well being in her work as an environmental educator and birding guide. She has worked as a professional birding instructor for National Audubon and many other organizations. Passionate about connecting young people to birds, she co-founded the Frontiers in Ornithology Symposium and has facilitated many young birder groups and teen birding camps.
According to the author, “Ornitherapy, or a more mindful approach to the observation of birds, benefits our mind, body, and souls. We’re pushed and pulled in many directions, no matter our age. If we allow birds and nature to slow us down, we are practicing a form of ‘selfcare.’ Research shows that exposure to nature actively reduces stress, depression, and anxiety, while helping build a stronger heart and immune system. Through observation, we can learn not only about birds, but gain insight into our own lives while exploring our connection to the world around us.”
This is a free event, but seating is limited so reservations are required. Call the gallery at 910.575.5999 to hold your spot. Sunset River Marketplace is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (NC179) in Calabash, NC. Information about upcoming events may be found at the gallery’s website (www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com) and on the gallery’s Facebook and Instagram pages.