“A bird flies through the sky, and I fly with it. I am each pearl of moisture sparkling in the sun. I lie lazy on the clouds. And I acknowledge my kinship with each winged thing.” – Max Ehrmann

St. Anthony on the Desert Episcopal Church is pleased to present Mary Lou Oslund and Sydney Smith’s art exhibition “Birds of a Feather.” This

exhibit is a culmination of two artists working miles apart (“snowbird” Oslund is in Arizona and Idaho, and Smith is in Massachusetts) on a theme, dear to their hearts -- birds.

Oslund and Smith have known each other for 54 years. They attended Kansas City Art Institute together and bonded over their love of nature and ways to present it artistically.

After graduating from the art institute with a BFA, Oslund received a Master’s in Education from Colorado State University. She also has her Master & Craftsman degrees, is a Certified Professional Photographer and has received the “National Award” from Professional Photographers of America (PPA).

During her career, she worked as a photographer for corporations photographing mine sites. As a high school teacher, she taught technology education, photography and art. Currently, she has her own studio and is known for her images of wildlife, scenes with sunrises, sunsets, weather patterns and the environment. She also creates with fused glass and is a quilter. She has exhibited in Idaho and Arizona.

Smith received a BFA in painting and drawing from the art institute, and an MA in printmaking from the University of Iowa. She taught art and multiple subjects in elementary schools in Los Angeles before retiring and moving to the East Coast.

She works in a variety of media: pastel, acrylic, watercolor and woodcuts, exploring abstract patterns in nature with line and color. She has her own studio and shows in galleries in the Boston area. Currently, she is collaborating with her brother by illustrating his children’s book, “Run Away Puppy.”

Oslund and Smith bring their artistic talents together for their collaborative St. Anthony exhibition, highlighting birds like the graceful Sandhill crane, colorful bluebird, elegant swan, inquisitive owl and ever-alert hawk. “Birds of a Feather” is a perfect title for this exhibit. It epitomizes not only a bevy of beautiful birds, but its talented creators, Oslund and Smith, who “fly” in perfect unison.

St. Anthony on the Desert Episcopal Church is located on the corner of Shea Boulevard and 130thStreet in Scottsdale. For viewing hours call 480-451-0860.