On Friday, November 1, 5pm-7pm, the National Eagle Center and River Junctions Arts Council (RJAC) are hosting an opening reception for The Art of Don Wilder: Wildlife of the Upper Mississippi River Region. The event will be held in the Mississippi River Room at the National Eagle Center and is free and open to the public.   The Watershed Gallery at the National Eagle Center showcases the beauty and diversity of life in the Upper Mississippi River watershed through the work of regional artists. A watershed in an area from which all water drains into a particular stream, lake or river. The water connects all life in the watershed from the majestic eagle to the plants and animals that may go unnoticed. Each one has an important place in the web of life.  Through the artist?s unique perspective on the natural world, visitors can appreciate the many species that share the watershed with eagles and humans.    Don Wilder was an artist from childhood.  After a career in commercial art, he became a freelance artist and for several years owned and operated, with his wife Judy, an art gallery in Alma, Wisconsin. Wilder worked in watercolor, acrylic, oil and gouache.  He enjoyed depicting scenes from nature as well as portraiture. Don?s widow Judy will be here to offer personal insights on his work. This exhibit depicting wildlife in the Upper Mississippi River valley will be on display in the Watershed Gallery at the National Eagle Center until mid-January.   This exhibit is presented with River Junctions Arts Council (RJAC), which strives to promote the arts in the Wabasha-Kellogg region. For more information about upcoming events at the National Eagle Center, visit www.nationaleaglecenter.org.   The National Eagle Center is a landmark interpretive center on the banks of the Mississippi River in Wabasha, MN. Offering wild eagle viewing and live eagle programs daily, the National Eagle Center fosters environmental stewardship through education about eagles and the Mississippi River watershed.