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Tim Laman, an award-winning National Geographic photojournalist, will present a multimedia program on his quest to capture images of all 39 species of Birds of Paradise, a group of species considered to be among the most extraordinary and least-known marvels in nature. It took Laman and collaborator Ed Scholes more than 11 years and 51 expeditions across the New Guinea region to capture images of these secretive birds and their courtship antics. A book signing of “The Birds of Paradise: Revealing the World's Most Extraordinary Birds” will follow the program. The free event is co-sponsored by the Essex County Ornithological Club, and will run from 7:45 to 9 p.m. in Peabody Essex Museum's Morse Auditorium, located at East India Square in Salem. For more information, visit pem.org/calendar.
The 25th Anniversary Saltbox Gallery Show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., today, tomorrow and Sunday in the Coolidge Building at the Topsfield Fairgrounds, 207 Boston St., Route 1. The show features works by 13 oil and watercolor artists, two woodworkers, a potter, and two jewelry artisans. The artisans will be present all weekend and will be available to answer questions, discuss possible commission work and provide information on classes they teach. In honor of the gallery's 25-year anniversary, 16 former Saltbox artists will also have their work on display and available for purchase. An artist reception will be held tonight from 7 to 9. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call the Saltbox Gallery at 978-887-3844 or visit the gallery at 49 Main St., Topsfield.
