Here's a press release:

Prairie Landscape

Prairie grasses and wild flowers bending in the breeze; what beautiful images these are as we look to spring. University Book and Supply(Cedar Falls) is hosting two sessions that will examine the prairie landscape. In the first session, artist, George Olson, will present a "Guided Tour of the Elemental Prairie." In the book, The Elemental Prairie: Sixty Tallgrass Plants, OlsonÂs watercolor drawings are delicately precise yet filled with vigor. OlsonÂs session is on Thursday, March 23, from 6:30 p.m. Â 7:30 p.m. in the lower level conference room.

In his presentation entitled, "Guided Tour of the Elemental Prairie," Olson will show slides of the prairie in its individual elements. These elements taken as a group celebrate the hues and textures of tallgrass wildflowers and grasses in their seasonal attire. His paintings depict species in their winter and summer "plumages;" revealing the plants stark wintry framework, as well as their more glorious warm-weather beauty.

For several years George OlsonÂs art has focused almost exclusively on the grasses and wildflowers of the North American Prairie. This interest in native plants evolved from his earlier landscape drawings and paintings. In addition to his role as an artist, Olson has been involved with prairie restorations in Henry and Lee Counties in Illinois as well as other projects through membership in the Nature Conservancy. He and his wife have also been involved with prairie restoration at Augustana CollegeÂs Greenwing Outdoor Laboratory near Amboy, Illinois.

The second session is Thursday, March 30, from 6:30 p.m. Â 7:30 p.m. in the lower level conference room at University Book and Supply. At this time Daryl Smith, and members of the biology faculty at the University of Northern Iowa, will present a program on prairies. Smith will show clips from his award winning film: AmericaÂs Lost Landscape: The Tallgrass Prairie, discuss landscaping with prairie plants, identify road side prairies, and talk about the importance of prairie restoration.

All are invited to these free presentations, discussions, and book signing by George Olson at University Book and Supply on March 23 and March 30, 2006, from 6:30 p.m. Â 7:30 p.m. in the lower level conference room. Call Patty at 266-7581 for additional information or questions.

This is the cover of

The Elemental Prairie: Sixty Tallgrass Plants