Nov 3, 2016 By Calkins Media 3 min read

Nature inspired art to view and purchase is what the National Aviary is offering visitors in an upcoming show.

The “Wings & Wildlife Art Show” runs Nov. 5 and 6 at the North Side venue, with an opening night soiree and benefit auction taking place Nov. 4.

The two-day show features works from more than 30 local and national artists working in paint, photography, metal, jewelry, textiles, ceramics and more.

‘”Wings & Wildlife’ is a celebration of nature and of the creativity of the artists, photographers and designers who will be sharing their work with us,” National Aviary Executive Director Cheryl Tracy said in a press release. “The show is scheduled just before the start of the holiday season, and it’s a great opportunity to acquire original work as well as unique gifts.”

The jury-selected artists are from New York, Virginia, North Carolina, New Hampshire and Pennsylvania, including several in the Pittsburgh area.

Photographer Dave DiCello has been named this year’s featured artist. DiCello’s focus is in natural landscapes and animal photography. For “Wings & Wildlife,” he will unveil a new series of work featuring the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, according to a press release.

“Having grown up in the city, I’ve spent many an afternoon at the National Aviary, first as a child and more recently with my two-year-old son,” DiCello said.

“To have the opportunity to display my art there is a true honor, and I’m looking forward to showcasing my landscape work, including images from the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, a snow-covered McConnells Mill and the waterfalls of Ohiopyle.”

On his website DiCello proudly proclaims the love for his city.

“Pittsburgh. The Steel City. The City of Champions. The City of Bridges. It has many names, but I know it by one: home. Pittsburgh is the perfect combination of “big” city living and a small town feel.””

He says his photos reflect the history and culture of the region.

“We have history in our steel mills, our sports teams, the amazing Pittsburgh skyline and our culture that make us unique in terms of great American cities.

“The other thing that is great about the ‘Burgh from a photography standpoint is that no matter how you look at it, you are sure to have an incredible view.

“From high up on Mt. Washington or the West End Overlook, or down low on the North Shore or Point State Park, the views of my hometown rival some of the best in the world. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a bad picture of the Pittsburgh skyline,” DiCello explains.

However, there is one simplistic notion DiCello offers as well – the people.

“Probably my favorite thing about Pittsburgh is the pride that the people who live there have. We are proud to say where we are from, proud to be from a city that was the keystone of industry in the United States for so many years.

“The people who leave here always want to come back, because there really isn’t any place quite like Pittsburgh anywhere else.”

The “Wings & Wildlife Art Show” is included in the Aviary admission, which costs $14 for adults and $13 for seniors and children ages 2-12.

Tickets to the opening soiree and benefit auction cost $100 per person and are available at showclix.com/event/WingsandWildlife.