Artist Stacie Birky Greene has channeled her lifelong connection with birds into a powerful artistic statement. Her journey began on a farm surrounded by ducks and chickens, but it was an NPR story about pesticide-related bird deaths in India that sparked her interest in endangered avian species. This led to a nine-month research endeavor exploring critically endangered and extinct birds. The result is "Silent Skies," an exhibition at the Pacific Beach/Taylor Library featuring her paintings and drawings of these remarkable creatures. Through her work, Greene aims to highlight the interconnectedness of birds with the environment and humanity’s survival. Local organizations such as the San Diego Bird Alliance are also working tirelessly to restore habitats and support bird populations, emphasizing their crucial roles in pollination, seed dispersal, insect control, and ecosystem health.

Inspired by both personal experiences and global concerns, Greene embarked on this artistic mission over a decade ago. Her "Silent Skies" exhibit focuses primarily on extinct and critically endangered birds, some of which can be found near San Diego. One series includes mosaics crafted from scrap wood, where individual blocks come together to form images of these birds. Another showcases oil paintings incorporating visual representations of bird songs into the backgrounds. Additionally, she works with ink and white charcoal on unaltered guitar manufacturing scraps for pieces representing species on the brink of extinction. These diverse techniques reflect her deep commitment to honoring these creatures through art.

Beyond her studio work, Greene appreciates observing birds in their natural habitats across San Diego County. Coastal areas like Chula Vista's estuaries and Mission Trails Regional Park provide excellent opportunities for birdwatching. She holds a special fondness for sandpipers, rails, and pelicans, marveling at their unique behaviors and ancient appearances. Her passion extends beyond mere observation; each piece in her exhibition tells a story about conservation, urging viewers to reconsider humanity's impact on these vital creatures.

Greene’s “Silent Skies” exhibition invites audiences to reflect on the profound importance of preserving avian life. By merging artistic expression with environmental advocacy, she creates a compelling narrative about the delicate balance between human activity and nature. As visitors engage with her artwork, they may find themselves inspired to take action, whether through supporting local conservation efforts or simply appreciating the beauty and significance of birds in our world. This project serves as a poignant reminder of what could be lost if we fail to protect these invaluable inhabitants of our planet.