The Grand Rapids Art Museum will open an exhibition of Aududon Prints from the Shelburne Museum on April 15, 2011.

Birds of America is widely recognized by art historians and naturalists alike as the greatest natural history publication of all time. Between 1819 and 1838, John James Audubon and his engraver Robert Havell produced 435 hand-colored and engraved plates of scope and standard never before seen in ornithological recording. Thirty prints have been selected from the collection at Shelburne Museum to demonstrate the duality of Audubon’s work as both artistic compositions and scientific documentation. This exhibition features some of Audubon’s most desirable illustrations, admired for their life-size scale, compelling backgrounds, and often dramatic compositions.

Other than being part of “the greatest natural history publication of all time,” the works set for display are also extraordinarily beautiful.

Visit through August 14, 2011 and don’t forget to eat a wet burrito while in town.

Curated turns us onto this bit of news:

“Milan Design Week 2011 provided the platform for the Campana Brothers to unveil their latest collaborative work with Ostrich leather manufacturers Klien Karoo. The Brazilian brother’s worked to showcase the varied application of Ostrich in tables, chairs, and other household furnishings. As expected, the color schemes are bright too.”

See more over at Curated.

For those Stateside (and afar) who would like to rock a memorial bracelet for Japan, consider Corter’s offering.The Boston based leather maker has raised more than $12,000 in about a week. They continue to push with their $20 bracelet – with all proceeds heading to Japan. “The bracelet is a natural 9oz bracelet, with a hand painted red button to show support. Each comes in a nice cloth bag. Out of respect, there is no branding, no fancy packaging.”

Some things just make too much sense. We like spinning tops, we like chairs. Why not mix the two together? That’s what Heatherwick Studio did with this chair which, most surprisingly, isn’t bad to sit in. Although there are hazards, as you’ll see after the leap. (Found by James)

A banger from Rolex. The Explorer II returns with the classic  orange hands that will prove to be one of the most sought after pieces this year (they first appeared back in 1971). “Here it is Watch Fans, the new Rolex 216670 aka the orange handed Rolex Explorer II.  Everything about this watch is spot on, at least for an armchair Rolex guy like myself. The Rolex 216670 Explorer II marks the 40th anniversary of the original Explorer II.  The case is enlarged to 42mm and houses the NEW Rolex caliber 3187 which is entirely designed and manufactured by Rolex.” (perpetuelle)

More looks after the click.

Out of Blanco, Texas Real Ale Brewing has been handcrafting beers in the Hill Country since 1996. The Rio Blanco Pale Ale is a gold medal winner from the 2010 Great American Beer Festival. “Deep golden and malty, with a spicy hop flavor and well balanced hop bitterness, Rio Blanco is a uniquely Texan interpretation of an English-style pale ale. Czech Saaz hops provide a crisp finish and delicate.”

ABV of 5.3%

While it seems that many have never forgiven Thom Browne for failing to be the second coming of Ralph Lauren (apparently that title’s now been passed onto Michael Bastian) the Moncler Gamme Bleu range is still going strong. In fact our only problem with the range is that we can’t afford it, can someone give us the hook up? (Farfetch)

“In a bygone era, cobblers lived in every major town and would both build new shoes and repair broken shoes for their customers. In some places, shoes are still made with hand-cut leathers and sewn on soles – shoes that can hold up for a decade rather than months – with proper repair…
Meet the team who helps restore timeworn Red Wing shoes.”

Silent, Damir Doma’s diffusion line, keeps trucking on with their great footwear. While the clothing will scare off some classic members of the menswear community, we feel the footwear’s universal. We mean, who doesn’t like a pair of high tops? It’s the sort of thing even a fashion adverse partner could be persuaded to wear, just tell them James Bond wore it. (LN-CC)

Adam Kimmel’s Snoop inspired collection got a fair amount of blog love so here’s a piece we like. We’ve never thought a sweatshirt with 88 printed on the back would be up our alley, but stranger things have happened. And, in the words of the great man himself, ain’t no fun if the homies can’t have mesh. Or something like that. (Por Vocacao)