Taking a Closer Look

Expand your understanding and appreciation of a landscape by exploring life at different scales. We will examine our surroundings through multiple lenses to uncover complexities you can’t see with your naked eye. In the field we will visit several types of coastal ecosystems and collect samples and data that tell us something about what makes each system unique. Back in the studio, participants will examine the samples collected in the field through microscopes and hand lenses. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment artistically with the samples and data and respond in their own medium through shared exercises.

Microbiologist and glass artist Jerri Bartholomew teaches an Art-Sci course at Oregon State University where students artistically explore the microbial world around them. She uses microbial images in her own art, and her collaboration with other artists examining stinging cells of jellyfish and other cnidaria was featured recently in SciArt Magazine. More information about Jerri can be found at www.jerribartholomewglass.com; www.sciartmagazine.com/movement-embodied.htm.

• Art supplies to work in the media of your choice, (e.g. photography, painting, writing, sketching)

• A sketchbook or journal

• Art material for group projects

• Microscopes

• Hand lenses

• Agar plates

• Collection vials and bags

• Other instruments for collecting data in the field