In Brief:
Title: Nature
in Art Exhibit at RMSC Cumming Nature Center Celebrates Regional
Artists and Natural Science Illustrators
Location: 6472 Gulick Road,
Naples, NY 14512
Phone:
(585)374-6160
Dates: Exhibit on display March 8–May12 during
regular CNC hours 9am–3:30pm, Wednesday–Friday and 9am–4:30pm, Saturday and
Sunday
Admission: Free.
CNC requests donations of $3 per person for general public and $10 per family
Detailed Information: www.rmsc.org; Facebook;
Twitter (@rocRMSC)
Media Contact: Debra Jacobson, Director of Marketing and Community Affairs
(585) 697-1944 • debra_jacobson@rmsc.org
Nature in Art Exhibit
at RMSC Cumming Nature Center Celebrates Regional Artists and Natural Science
Illustrators
ROCHESTER,
NY—A new exhibit at the
Rochester Museum & Science Center (RMSC) Cumming Nature Center (CNC)
showcases the fine work of regional artists and illustrators. Nature in Art: Selections from the Finger Lakes Chapter of
the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators
opens Friday, March 8 and remains on display through Sunday, May 12 in the CNC Hurst Gallery.
In
an array of work created by fifteen members of the Guild of Natural Science
Illustrators (GNSI), Nature in Art
demonstrates the principle task of the science illustrator—to create accurate
renderings of scientific subjects. In this exhibit, scientific illustrations of
birds, trees and other natural subjects are depicted in both traditional and
digital formats. These illustrations precisely show proportions,
coloration and anatomy of a subject. They communicate complex descriptive
information in an aesthetically appealing way and aid the viewer by providing
intricate detail. In addition to the artwork, a variety of taxidermy birds will
be on display, including a snowy owl, wood duck and Eastern meadowlark.
Two of the artists
whose work will be on display also serve as volunteers in the RMSC exhibits
department. Their involvement was the inspiration behind the creation of the
exhibit.
Lois Shaffer, Deputy Director, Design/Exhibit Services,
RMSC explains, "We were looking for a meaningful exhibit for the Hurst Gallery,
and I thought 'why not feature our own first-rate science illustrators?' We are
so lucky to have them and it's a pleasure to recognize that gift."
Kate Fady, one of the featured
illustrators and RMSC volunteer, has been involved in creative arts for
most of her career, working in areas that include graphic arts, illustration
and interior design.
"I am passionate about creative, visual work that
combines science and art," said Fady. "The Cumming Nature Center, located in
Finger Lakes region of New York, has long demonstrated an appreciation and
respect for the natural world. The Center's commitment to responsible,
environmental recreation and education makes it a perfect venue to showcase
natural science art."
Fady attended an
academy for natural science and botanical illustration at the New York
Botanical Gardens. Learning from renowned, master-science illustrators, Fady
earned a certificate in botanical illustration in 2000 and joined the GNSI.
Fady served as president of the GNSI Greater New York Chapter from 2002-2004,
and participated as an exhibitor and curator for several nature-themed exhibits
that toured throughout the tri-state region. Most recently at the RMSC, Fady
created a mural in the RMSC main elevator.
Mary Catherine Roche, another featured illustrator and RMSC volunteer, works to incorporate art in her teaching and teaching in her art.
Roche has been a teacher and an artist for more than 17 years.
"I believe natural
science is our greatest teacher, and science and art go hand in hand," said
Roche. "Look to nature and you will find beauty and design. Whether or not it
was their intention, the great masters of the art world created work that
contained the type of perfect design that is inherent in nature. By studying
the natural sciences, we are studying art in its purest form. I am so inspired
to see the Cummings Nature Center bring natural science and art together in
this exhibit."
Roche received her master's
of fine art in medical illustration from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Roche is a freelance medical and scientific illustrator and a member of the
GSNI and Association of Medical Illustrators. Most recently at the RMSC,
Roche created new illustrations for signs for the Beaver Trail at Cumming
Nature center.
Successful
illustrators are versatile in more than one technique or medium. Along with
skills in traditional techniques like drawing, watercolor, acrylics, inks and
oils, a working knowledge of computer graphics programs and digital techniques
is important in today's marketplace. Illustrations can be created entirely in
traditional or digital format, or blend both techniques.
Nature in Art is open during regular CNC
hours: 9am–3:30pm, Wednesday–Friday and 9am–4:30pm, Saturday and Sunday.
Admission to Nature in Art is free.
The CNC requests donations of $3 per person for the general public and $10 per
family. RMSC members visit free. The CNC is located just south of Rochester,
near Naples, NY. For directions, visit www.rmsc.org.
The GNSI is a nonprofit organization,
founded at the Smithsonian Institution in 1968, of persons employed or
genuinely interested in the field of natural science illustration. It maintains
and encourages high standards of competence and professional ethics by
increasing communication among its members, and assisting others who are
preparing to enter the profession. The Guild provides opportunities for
professional and scholarly development, and seeks to promote understanding of
the profession among the general public and potential clients requiring the
services of natural science illustrators.
For a high-resolution images
and additional information, contact Debra Jacobson, Director of Marketing and Community
Affairs, RMSC at (585)697-1944 or debra_jacobson@rmsc.org.
Rochester
Museum & Science Center (RMSC) receives major funding from Monroe County.
RMSC includes a planetarium, nature center and science/regional history museum.
The Rochester Museum & Science Center stimulates broad community interest
and understanding of science and technology, and their impact—past, present,
future—on our lives. For more information about RMSC, visit www.rmsc.org. Find us on Facebook
and follow us on Twitter (@rocRMSC).
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