2008 Woodie Awards
Memories of Edson Fitcher
Xiaoxuan Wang ; Mass Communication Student
Issue date: 12/6/06 Section: Opinion
- Page 1 of 1
Many people know about the Edson Fichter Trail in Pocatello near Indian Hills Elementary, but most don't know the story behind the name.
The Edson Fichter Nature Area was opened in 1993 and received its name in honor of ISU zoology professor Edson Fichter, whose heart was full of nature.
"He was a well-known Pocatello artist and biologist," said Dave Mead, Idaho Museum of Natural History Exhibits Manager. "Fichter was an extremely talented wildlife illustrator, photographer, and writer."
His love of nature began when Fichter studied pronghorn antelope in the Pahsimeroi Valley of Idaho. This wildlife biologist died while doing research on pronghorn behavior. He was a zoology professor at ISU from 1949 until 1975. His publications include "Pahsimeroi: Land Beyond Words" and he illustrated " The Amphibians of Idaho."
Fichter still lives in the hearts of many, especially the heart of his wife, inspiration and helpmate, Ardith. After her death in 1998, the trail was named to keep his memory alive.
"Although I never had the privilege of meeting Fichter, I am a great admirer of his work-both his art and his contribution to science," Mead said.
Now is a good opportunity to review Fichter's life and keep his memory alive. IMNH is presenting an exhibit of his wildlife art. This includes nearly 40 of his art works, such as realistic charcoal drawings, photographs of nature and animals and many poems.
The exhibit is open to the public and offers viewers the chance to enjoy and remember this artist's celebration of nature, as in his elegant poem:
"No wilderness of my remembered years
As sweetly sang to me-
As this possessive land-
The night - sad voices of its haunting winds
That only searching hearts can understand…"
Fichter's friend, Rob Jones, is also a wildlife artist and writer. He once wrote, "Edson was one of my mentors at ISU. He considered himself a student of animal behavior, never allowing anyone to call him an expert."
Fichter's exhibit will be open at IMNH until the end of the fall 2006 semester, Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, contact the museum at 282-3317.
The Edson Fichter Nature Area was opened in 1993 and received its name in honor of ISU zoology professor Edson Fichter, whose heart was full of nature.
"He was a well-known Pocatello artist and biologist," said Dave Mead, Idaho Museum of Natural History Exhibits Manager. "Fichter was an extremely talented wildlife illustrator, photographer, and writer."
His love of nature began when Fichter studied pronghorn antelope in the Pahsimeroi Valley of Idaho. This wildlife biologist died while doing research on pronghorn behavior. He was a zoology professor at ISU from 1949 until 1975. His publications include "Pahsimeroi: Land Beyond Words" and he illustrated " The Amphibians of Idaho."
Fichter still lives in the hearts of many, especially the heart of his wife, inspiration and helpmate, Ardith. After her death in 1998, the trail was named to keep his memory alive.
"Although I never had the privilege of meeting Fichter, I am a great admirer of his work-both his art and his contribution to science," Mead said.
Now is a good opportunity to review Fichter's life and keep his memory alive. IMNH is presenting an exhibit of his wildlife art. This includes nearly 40 of his art works, such as realistic charcoal drawings, photographs of nature and animals and many poems.
The exhibit is open to the public and offers viewers the chance to enjoy and remember this artist's celebration of nature, as in his elegant poem:
"No wilderness of my remembered years
As sweetly sang to me-
As this possessive land-
The night - sad voices of its haunting winds
That only searching hearts can understand…"
Fichter's friend, Rob Jones, is also a wildlife artist and writer. He once wrote, "Edson was one of my mentors at ISU. He considered himself a student of animal behavior, never allowing anyone to call him an expert."
Fichter's exhibit will be open at IMNH until the end of the fall 2006 semester, Tuesdays through Saturdays. For more information, contact the museum at 282-3317.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Rob Jones
posted 7/25/07 @ 11:21 PM MST
Rob Jones here. While what I said about Edson is true, it is not true that I am a wildlife artist. In the spirit of teachings from my mentor, Edson Fichter, I wanted to clarify that although he trained many wildlife illustrators and started many on careers in biology and ecology, alas I do not have artistic talent. (Continued…)
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