Art that
Matters
to the Planet
Our mission is to foster an appreciation for Nature through exhibitions of Art that Matters to the Planet.
Our Vision:
Through exhibitions and programs, the Roger Tory Peterson Institute will be an epicenter for harnessing the power of art to illuminate the beauty of nature, to raise awareness of the critical environmental challenges of our time, and to inspire preservation of the earth’s diversity of life.
Home to the largest collection of Roger Tory Peterson’s original artwork and related archival materials, RTPI will nurture the next generation of nature artists through exhibitions and artist residencies.
As a living embodiment of the Peterson Field Guide, RTPI will serve as a gateway to the best birding and natural areas throughout Western New York.
RTPI will be a leader for driving tourism to Jamestown and Chautauqua County. RTPI will provide enrichment, sanctuary, and most of all hope for all who visit.
RTPI will be a model of nonprofit sustainability.
We believe...
Art Matters — among the many ways to raise awareness about conservation, art has a unique and underutilized power to engage hearts, minds and hands
Biodiversity Matters — RTPI embraces the full diversity of the biological community
People Matter — RTPI embraces the full diversity of the human community
Sanctuary Matters — RTPI is a safe space, a refuge for nature, a place of reflection, renewal and rejuvenation for people
Speaking Out Matters — RTPI takes no sides regarding politics but will always side with nature no matter the politics
Roger Tory Peterson
Roger Tory Peterson’s signature contribution to the arc of the American Conservation Movement was the modern field guide. Trained as an artist, Peterson understood the power of art to inform, inspire and illuminate people about the natural world. His illustrated field guides allowed for easy, accurate identification in the field. The experience of using the field guide has helped millions of people across the globe really see the natural world. To be inspired by it. To fall in love with it. Throughout his multifaceted career, Peterson helped us to see the challenges, too – the devastating impacts of pesticides, habitat loss and other environmental ills. He also demonstrated that each and every one of us can make a difference in protecting the earth’s diversity of plants and animals.
Board
Wilson D. Mudge
Chair, Board; Chair, Executive Committee
Diane M. Carlson
Vice-Chair, Board; Chair, Nominating & Governance
Bert Whitney "Whit" Rappole, Jr.
Treasurer, Board; Chair, Administration & Finance
Lee A. Peterson
Secretary, Board
Chris Anderson
Jane Cleaver Becker
Kent J. Francois
William H. Hopple, III
Chair, Development & Communications
Arthur Pearson
CEO
Tory C. Peterson
Leslie Coleman Renjilian
Michael J. Sacopulos
Douglas L. Schutte
Chair, Foundation
Ellen Stokes Shadle
Chair, Collections & Exhibitions
Erika N.D. Stanat
Dr. Jeanne Wiebenga
Marilyn Zagora
Staff
A Chicago native, Arthur has a richly varied background in the arts, conservation, museum collections and philanthropy. Throughout his career, he has focused on helping nonprofit organizations build the operational and financial capacity needed to achieve their mission goals. Since his arrival in March 2020, Arthur has guided the restructuring of RTPI in pursuit of a revitalized and resilient strategic vision. Arthur is the author of “Force of Nature,” the award-winning biography of George Fell, father of the Natural Areas Movement and the driving force in the founding of The Nature Conservancy.
A native of Chautauqua County, Jana fell in love with nature at an early age and believes that we are all stewards of this beautiful planet. In her role at RTPI, she draws on many years of experience in the fields of art, teaching, and hospitality to help guests get the most out of their visit. She is passionate about encouraging people towards a greater appreciation and respect for the natural world. When not at work, she can be found digging in her garden and spending time with her family.
Bekka is a native from Elk County, PA, and graduate of PennWest Clarion with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her love for nature and learning led her to RTPI. Bekka brings with her five years of hospitality management and retail experience to her role as the Museum Store Manager, creating a fun and welcoming space for all. When she’s not helping visitors find the perfect gift or nature-inspired treasure, you’ll probably find her playing a board game, lounging in her hammock, or working on a creative craft. Stop by and say hi!
Jeanne is a Jamestown native first introduced to RTPI as an art major at JCC. She attended the Savannah College of Art + Design for art history and remained in Savannah as a Project Manager for the first phase of the Savannah Children’s Museum at a National Historic Landmark site. Jeanne then spent a decade as the Grant Administrator for a northwest Pennsylvania nonprofit organization after moving back to the area. She has an MFA in advertising and a certificate in user experience design. She stays busy with 4 kids, painting pet portraits, and finding new places to explore. As Development Director she will bring nonprofit experience and her creative background together to continue Roger’s legacy at RTPI!
Claire is a Chautauqua County native and is excited to be a part of the staff here at RTPI. She studied theatre at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. Claire has had an appreciation for nature and the outdoors that was nurtured by her parents since she was young. She has loved RTPI since her sister was married on the Peterson Preserve in 2016. Since then, she has been planning small, private events and cannot wait to do so on a larger scale. She also coaches Diving at Jamestown Community College. Claire loves Taylor Swift, the Buffalo Bills, and her cat, Simon.
A native of Chautauqua County, Rachael Kosinski travelled far afield to prepare for her role as Curator at RTPI. She attended SUNY Geneseo for her B.A. in Art History and University College London (UCL) for her M.A. in Museum Studies. In London, Rachael wrote her dissertation on aesthetic and numinous responses: a study of the various emotional/physical responses people have to different types of art. As a lover of the Great Outdoors and all it encompasses, the idea of taking her background and using it to create meaningful, dynamic exhibitions at RTPI seemed like the perfect next step.
Liam is an artist and art historian from Athens, Ohio. He studied Ceramics and Art History in the Honors Tutorial College at Ohio University, where he developed a deep interest in place-based art and learning. This interest led to his discovery of RTPI, where he serves as a Programs and Visitor Experience Associate. He returns to Lake Chautauqua after attending and serving YMCA Camp Onyahsa for many years in Dewittville, NY. Liam also enjoys playing piano, carpentry, chess, soccer and swimming. He can't wait to welcome you to RTPI!
A Buffalo native, Tina relocated to Chautauqua Lake three years ago with her husband Rhys and resides in beautiful Point Chautauqua with their two dogs Charlie and Ollie, and cat Zoey. An avid explorer of the natural world she quickly fell in love with the area and the ecological diversity of the surroundings. Tina enjoys taking long walks in the woods with the dogs by her side, collecting beach glass along the shore of Lake Erie and traveling to visit her three grown children where there is always a national park or historic site to see along the way. With over 35 years of experience in environmental education, community engagement, and administration, Tina could not be happier to be a member of the team and to have the pleasure of working in a such an extraordinary building and setting.
Catherine is a native from Cleveland, Ohio and a graduate from the Cleveland Institute of Art, with a Bachelors in Fine Arts. Although painting is her first love, she went on to achieve a Masters in History and Museum Studies from Cleveland State University. Catherine’s intertwined love for art and nature led her to the role of Exhibitions Manager. When not working she can be found hiking, painting, or thrifting for treasures. She loves to spend time outdoors within nature and hopes everyone can cultivate a sense of belonging while visiting RTPI.