JAMESTOWN – On Friday from 5 to 7:30 p.m., the Roger Tory Peterson Institute will host a public reception and program by acclaimed wildlife artist Cole Johnson. Cole’s work is among those featured in the current exhibition at RTPI, Environmental Im-pact, which runs through July 6.

The June 27 reception and program are free and open to the public; donations are appreciated.

An avid outdoorsman, Cole has lived in upstate New York his entire life and resides in the Catskill Mountain region. He earned his Bachelor of Fine Arts at State University of New York at Buffalo in 1991. His chosen medium is graphite powder, which he uses to render incredibly lifelike drawings of his favorite subjects, which include white-tailed deer, trout, wild turkey, hunting dogs and waterfowl.

Cole is a signature member of the Society of Animal Artists, a select group dedicated to “promoting excellence in the portrayal of creatures sharing our planet.” His works have been included in such prestigious shows as the National Arts for the Parks Competition and the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum’s Birds in Art exhibition, as well as RTPI.

The Environmental Impact exhibit currently being featured at RTPI and curated by veteran wildlife art curator David J. Wagner includes works by internationally-known artists, such as renowned Canadian wildlife artist Robert Bateman. The outstanding pieces, in a wide range of styles and media, are united in their ominous message of a natural world under attack by over-consumption of natural resources, global climate change, and other human causes. Viewers of this exhibition will be sure to leave impressed with the execution of the artwork and with renewed commitment to do whatever we can to protect and conserve the natural world on which we all depend.

At the June 27 reception, guests can tour the exhibition while enjoying refreshments and meet Cole, RTPI staff and volunteers, all in the Institute’s beautiful surroundings. The evening will be capped by a special program in which Cole will discuss his unique style and demonstrate the techniques that have brought him acclaim as one of the top graphite artists in the world.

In addition, on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cole will be on hand at the Painted Finch Gallery, 508 E. Columbus Ave. (Route 6), Corry, Pa., where visitors can meet the artist and view his works available for purchase.

For more information, call the gallery at 814-664-3053.

RTPI also is featuring selections from the life work of Roger Tory Peterson and an exhibit marking the 100th anniversary of the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon. The Institute is located at 311 Curtis St. in Jamestown and is open to the public Tuesdays through Saturdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays 1 to 5 p.m.

For more information, call 665-2473 or visit www.rtpi.org.