The Inspiration Wall

The Welcome Center at the World Center for Birds of Prey, completed in April 2023, was envisioned as a gateway befitting The Peregrine Fund's global reputation for species conservation. Our vision was to create an entrance that would immediately convey to visitors the significance of our organization and its historic achievements in conservation. Central to this vision was the need to tell our story in a compelling and innovative way.

The Inspiration Wall’s genesis began in late 2018 when Greg Mercer, a producer and interdisciplinary artist with extensive experience from Chicago's Field Museum of Natural History, relocated to Boise. Mercer's background in natural history, conservation and display installations made him an ideal collaborator.  He was invited by Tate Mason (Director of the World Center for Birds of Prey), Erin Katzner (former VP of Education and Outreach), and Heather Meuleman (VP of Development) to explore storytelling possibilities for the new space.

Jeff Hatch of Hatch Design Architecture, who had been developing plans for what would become the Welcome Center, also played a crucial role in conceptualizing the Inspiration Wall. Hatch and the design team identified the south wall of the Welcome Center—11 feet high and 20 feet long—as the ideal location.

The concept design incorporated a world map composed of murmuring birds shaped like continents, with a hunting falcon as the centerpiece. This imagery powerfully represented both The Peregrine Falcon's global range and The Peregrine Fund's worldwide conservation efforts. These ideas could also illustrate how the organization's iconic work in reducing DDT use had far-reaching benefits for entire ecosystems and numerous species worldwide.

Ross Matteson, a renowned sculptor and master falconer whose work already graced the World Center for Birds of Prey campus, was commissioned to work with Greg Mercer to refine and bring this vision to life. One of the things that attracted Ross to the project was the opportunity to bring people together from the science, conservation, and falconry communities. His previous works, including a major role in the Falconer's Wall of Remembrance (which now honors over 280 individuals), demonstrated his ability to create meaningful, lasting tributes.

For the Inspiration Wall, Matteson sculpted a new bronze sculpture of a life-sized peregrine in flight. It would be pursuing 17 cast and polished stainless steel shorebirds from his existing portfolio of 6 unique shorebird sculptures. Additionally, hundreds of inlaid white epoxy shorebirds informed by photographic reference from wildlife photographer Nick Dunlap, would create the murmuration in the book matched quartzite stone tiles which clad the entire wall.  Actually bringing the drama of this complex design to fruition required innovation, creative engineering, extraordinary craftsmanship and collaboration with many individuals. Materials and process experts across multiple disciplines willingly participated. In partnership with these specialists materials were specifically selected to ensure meaning, aesthetic impact and durability in the entryway at the World Center for Birds of Prey.

The Inspiration Wall was unveiled during the Welcome Center's dedication on Earth Day, April 22nd, 2023. The installation exemplifies how the Peregrine Fund’s conservation vision and growing community of people who care about raptors, their ecosystems and world-wide humanity all work together.  The Inspiration Wall will beautifully communicate for many years to come our commitment to raptor conservation.

The Peregrine Fund would like to recognize the invaluable contributions of:

• A very generous anonymous donor
• Ross Matteson | Artist/Sculptor
• Greg Mercer | Concept Artist including digital logistics and art consultation
• Jeff Hatch | Architect and art consultation | Hatch Design Architecture, Boise, ID 
• Macy & Shane Jewell | Specialized quartzite etching | Reflections Custom Etching, Olympia, WA
• Art Castings of Colorado | Stainless steel castings | Loveland, CO
• Ed Kroupa | Bronze casting | Two Ravens Foundry, Tacoma, WA
• Granite Gallery, Gary Gutteridge and Travis Osso | Quartzite cutting | Tumwater, WA
• Steve Christman | modeling, molding | Form 3-D Foundry, Portland, OR
• David Gosse | Specialized epoxy work | The WoodLab, Eagle, ID
• Premier Signs | Specialized vinyl work | Boise, ID
• Nick Dunlop | Shorebird murmuration reference | Nick Dunlop Photography and Video, CA
• Ben Kalkman | Quartzite installation | Cutting Edge Kitchens, Boise, ID
• Jeremy Hartzog | Matteson Studio assistant, art consultation, crating | Olympia, WA   
• Col. S. Kent Carnie | Artist consultations | Curator Emeritus, The Archives of Falconry
• Randal Dutra | Artist consultations
• Genny Matteson, Adam Eckert, and Leah Eckert | Support, cataloging, and transportation logistics
• Rob McLean | Customized stainless steel hardware | Commercial Sales, Tacoma, WA
• Mark Steen | Welcome Center Superintendent of Construction ( company name?)
• Dave King | crate building | Eco-Woodworks, Olympia, WA
• concrete block contractor? (ask Jeff Hatch)
• Tate Mason | Director of the World Center for Birds of Prey
• Heather Meuleman | VP of Development, The Peregrine Fund
• Erin Katzner | former VP of Education & Outreach, The Peregrine Fund
• Chris Parish | President & CEO, The Peregrine Fund
• Brian Gloshen | Facilities management, The Peregrine Fund