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Michigan State University
ANR Events Management System

Blending Art and Science

Saturday, August 3, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Tuesdays, August 6, 13, 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. 
W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary Overlook Building
12685 East C Ave., Augusta, MI 49012

Learn how to keep a nature journal to deepen your connection to art, science, and the environment. The program will begin with a presentation on ecology by Kellogg Biological Station scientists, followed by outdoor activities at the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary.

This four-part series begins with a Saturday session introducing you to Nature Journaling, followed by four Tuesday evening weekly sessions to observe and document nature using graphite and colored pencil techniques, guided by local artist Taylor Scamehorn.

Throughout the program, participants will explore the intersection of science and art, developing skills in thinking like an artist, naturalist, and scientist.
Join us to:

  • Gain an understanding of biodiversity at various scales,
  • Learn to identify patterns and interactions in nature,
  • Learn to observe the structure and form of individual organisms.

Additionally, participants will learn art techniques using colored pencils and watercolors to make scientific and artistic observations about nature at different scales.

Cost: $160 Bird Sanctuary member, $180 non-members

Schedule:

Week 1: Nature Journaling
Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
"How to Think Like a Naturalist, Artist, and Scientist” We will learn about the intersection of art and science and gain tools for both.

Week 2: Landscapes & Ecosystems
Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.
Overview of landscape ecology and ecosystem functions. The class will visit multiple habitats (e.g., agricultural land, prairies, wetlands, forest). In-Class Art Activity: Landscapes in pencil.

Week 3: Communities
Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.
We will discuss plant-plant and plant-insect interactions in the context of prairie communities and visit a prairie with the art instructor.

Week 4: Species
Tuesday, Aug. 20, 2024, from 6 to 8 p.m.
We will discuss the ecology of organisms (i.e., moths, switchgrass, and ants), and participants will learn how to draw a specific organism.

Accommodations: Attendees are responsible for their meals and accommodations; on-site accommodations can be booked through the KBS Conference Center. To make a reservation, email conference@kbs.msu.edu or call 269-671-2400.

Cancellation Policy for Events Requiring Registration: If the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary cancels a program due to weather or other circumstances, a full refund will be issued. If a registrant must cancel before the event’s registration deadline, a full refund will be issued. No refunds will be issued on the day of an event or after. No space will be held without full payment for events requiring prepayment. Registration can be transferred to another person at any time.

Registration for Blending Art and Science is open.

Registration closes at 11:59 p.m. ET on July 31, 2024.

There are 20 openings available.

Register Here

Accommodations

Michigan State University is committed to providing equal opportunity for participation in all programs, services and activities. Accommodations for persons with disabilities may be requested by contacting the event contact two weeks prior to the start of the event. Requests received after this date will be honored whenever possible.

Contact Information

For more information, contact the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary at 269-671-2510 or birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu.