Auburn alumnus Malkoff supports Raptor Center with latest work, ‘Spirit of Auburn’
Artist Stephen Malkoff has teamed up with Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the Southeastern Raptor Center to create a new, limited-edition print, Spirit of Auburn. This commemorative pencil drawing of bald eagle Spirit is the latest work from Malkoff, who has also created representations of golden eagles Tiger and Nova, as well as the Auburn Oaks at Toomer’s Corner.
Malkoff is a nationally recognized nature artist who creates work ranging from detailed tree renderings to collegiate and wildlife representation.
Only 3,000 lithograph prints of Spirit of Auburn are being produced, and a percentage of the sales will support the Southeastern Raptor Center, which cares for, trains and houses Spirit and others birds of prey.
“Our eagles are great ambassadors for Auburn. I’m proud to support them in this way,” said Malkoff.
Spirit made her first flight Sept. 28, 2002, versus Syracuse. She is 22 years old and has wowed crowds with more than 40 game day flights. When Spirit takes flight, it is more than a game day ritual, it is a reminder of our nation’s freedom, says Malkoff.
“The eagle flight is the greatest common denominator in sports. No matter what colors are worn, when the eagle flies, we are all united as Americans. When I look at this work of art, I see ‘In God We Trust’ and ‘War Eagle.’”
The purchase of this detailed work of art provides funding for the Southeastern Raptor Center. The Center has a threefold mission of conservation, education and rehabilitation. Center staff and volunteers rehabilitate and release hundreds of injured birds of prey annually and conduct educational programs throughout the Southeast using non-releasable raptors as part of educational programs.
“Stephen’s newest drawing of Spirit is beautiful and captures her energetic personality,” said Dr. Jamie Bellah, director of the Southeastern Raptor Center. “Stephen and his family have a sincere commitment to supporting the Center and Auburn University. We are fortunate not only for their support of our mission, but also for their very special friendship.”
To purchase Spirit of Auburn, visit www.tiger30.com.
Malkoff and his work have been featured in Southern Living, Country Living and a number of newspaper articles and television interviews. While Malkoff was nicknamed the “tree man” for the success of his drawings of trees throughout the Southeast, it’s his lo
ve of football that first led to drawings affiliated with college sports. Malkoff studied architecture at Auburn and played football under legendary coach Pat Dye. He was a member of the 1988 SEC Championship team.
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** Stephen Malkoff will attend the Football, Fans and Feathers educational program on Friday, Nov. 16, 4 p.m. at the Southeastern Raptor Center. The public is invited to attend the final show for 2018 and meet Malkoff. Learn more about Football, Fans and Feathers.
(Written by Joelle Trollinger).