HomeNew Book Profiles Life and Work of Acclaimed Manitoba Artist 
Tells the story of Manitoba naturalist and wildlife artist Angus Shortt
Oak Hammock Marsh, Manitoba, October 24, 2003 – A new book on acclaimed Manitoba naturalist and artist Angus Shortt will soon be available for Canadians. The book, titled My Life With Birds: The Education and Successes of a Wildlife Artist, features Shortt’s life story and many examples of the beautiful artwork he created based on the Prairie birds, wildlife and landscapes he loved. The book will officially launch at a ceremony and book-signing event at the Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 1.
Shortt, 95, wrote the story himself, with the help of researchers and editors. My Life with Birds was published by Richard Bonnycastle, a Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) director, who has generously donated all proceeds raised by the book to the Freshwater Initiative of the Institute for Wetland and Waterfowl Research, DUC’s scientific research arm. My Life with Birds will be available for purchase through the DUC Store on the DUC Web site (www.ducks.ca) and DUC events for the price of $39.95. It will be available at the Oak Hammock Marsh gift shop during the launch for those who would like to have a copy signed by Shortt, and the public is invited to attend the book launch.
Bonnycastle noted that the book will be of great interest to Manitobans, as it features the birds and wildlife native to Manitoba. “This is truly an amazing book on the life and work of one of Manitoba’s great artists,” said Bonnycastle. “Mr. Shortt’s paintings and artwork can be found throughout North America and the world, and we think the book does a great job of capturing his life, his love of nature and his passion for his work. What’s more, the money being raised by sales of the book will benefit the research being done through the Freshwater Initiative, which is important for Canada’s precious fresh water.”
Shortt dedicated his life to painting Prairie birds, wildlife and landscapes. Immigrating to Canada from Ireland in 1911, Shortt grew up in the Winnipeg area. His career was spent working for a variety of natural history and conservation organizations, including over 30 years with DUC. During the span of his career, Shortt produced thousands of paintings that can now be found in collections throughout Canada and the United States and in countries such as Japan, South Africa, Sweden, Ireland, England and Australia.
Through the Freshwater Initiative, DUC’s scientists are working to learn more about the issues affecting water in today’s world. The initiative focuses on matters such as groundwater replenishment, flood control, nutrient and contaminant management and climate change—all critical factors for the conservation of fresh water.
For 65 years, DUC has conserved, restored and managed wetlands and associated habitats for North America’s waterfowl. These habitats—nature’s water filters—also benefit other wildlife and people.
The Oak Hammock Marsh Interpretive Centre is located 20 minutes north of Winnipeg, north off of Highway 67 between Highways 7 and 8.
Images of Angus Shortt and the book are available.
For more information:
Leigh Patterson
Marketing and Communications Specialist
Ducks Unlimited Canada
Ph: (204) 467-3306
Call toll free: 1-800-665-3825
Email: l_patterson@ducks.ca
