FAIRHOPE, Ala. — 2009 Alabama Coastal BirdFest feature artist Kathy Hicks will be honored at a reception Friday, Oct. 2., from 6-8 p.m., at the Fairhope Public Library as part of Fairhope’s famous First Friday ArtWalk.

The reception is free, and everyone is invited to attend. The event is co-hosted by Alabama Coastal BirdFest and the Friends of the Fairhope Library.

The Friends’ bookstore will be open during the Friday night reception.

An exhibit of Hicks’ bird and wildlife photography, including photos that are featured in the 2009 BirdFest poster and brochure, will premier at the library for the reception, and will remain on display through the end of October.

A Baldwin County resident who grew up on the western shore of Mobile Bay, Hicks’ photography has won several awards and has been used in Forbes, Antique Road Show, Science Daily and Outdoor Alabama.

She is also an exclusive photographer for iStockPhoto.com.