After Audubon showcases artists from the dawn of scientific exploration through the contemporary age. This interdisciplinary exhibition will serve as the backdrop for the 2019 NV STEAM Conference. It will be on view to the public November 10, 2018 – April 21, 2019 at the Nevada Museum of Art in Reno.
Reno, Nev. (Nov. 9, 2018) – This winter, the Nevada Museum of Art invites visitors to explore the intersection of artistic and scientific exploration through the works of John James Audubon and contemporary artists in the exhibition After Audubon: Art, Observation, and Natural Science. The Museum’s exhibition explores the ways in which historically significant naturalists, like Audubon, influenced the next wave of interdisciplinary thinking and learning. Designed as the foundation of the 2019 STEAM Conference, this exhibition juxtaposes old and new, shedding light on observation and the practice of natural science. After Audubon: Art, Observation, and Natural Science is on display from November 10, 2018 through April 21, 2019 at the Nevada Museum of Art, Donald W. Reynolds Center for the Visual Arts, E. L. Wiegand Gallery in downtown Reno, Nevada.
John James Audubon (1785-1851) was a dominant wildlife artist who spent years observing wildlife and depicting bird species in the United States in highly dramatized, life-sized portraits of the birds he encountered. After Audubon features a selection of works by Audubon, alongside contemporary artists such as Donald Farnsworth, Carlee Fernandez, Penelope Gottlieb, Laurel Roth Hope, and Kara Maria. These artists pick up where Audubon left off — in new, celebratory, and sometimes critical ways, creating an interdisciplinary exhibition that focuses on how observation plays a role in both art and science, key components of STEAM education.
“After Audubon is a great reminder to pay attention to the natural world,” said Marisa L. Cooper, Charles N. Mathewson Director of Education at the Nevada Museum of Art. “Science and art are both built on keen observation, and the artworks in this show exemplify what we can learn as a result of observing nature.”
Over the past several years, the Nevada Museum of Art has invested significant resources in developing STEAM-based exhibitions to foster learning opportunities for students, teachers and the larger Nevada community. The Museum believes that STEAM initiatives are central to economic, educational and cultural growth, and After Audubon: Art, Observation, and Natural Science helps advance this interdisciplinary focus.
“This exhibition gives us the opportunity to think about the progress of interdisciplinary thinking and learning,” said Cooper. “As we engage students and teachers with these artworks, we can bring these ideas to life.”
As the leading visual art and design institution in the state, the Nevada Museum of Art plays a critical role in creating a future community with foundations in creativity and critical thinking. Education at the Nevada Museum of Art aims to enhance visual and environmental literacy. By providing authentic and creative learning opportunities through art exhibitions and the STEAM Conference, the Museum helps put the “A” in STEAM education.
The NV STEAM Conference is the most important statewide gathering for exploring ideas and strategies by incorporating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) education into pioneering classroom practices. The approach is designed to foster student creativity and innovation through engaging, hands-on workshops and nationally recognized keynote speakers. The event runs from 8 am to 5:30 pm on Saturday, February 2 at the Nevada Museum of Art, 160 West Liberty Street near downtown Reno. To register for the event and to learn more about the workshops and keynote speakers, please visitnvsteam.org. Members of the press are invited to attend to explore how the state’s leading cultural and research institutions are working to transform education.
After Audubon: Art, Observation, and Natural Science features artworks by Audubon and contemporary artists. The exhibition is on view from November 10, 2018 through April 21, 2019 at the Nevada Museum of Art, Donald W. Reynolds Center for the Visual Arts, E. L. Wiegand Gallery located at 160 West Liberty Street in downtown Reno, Nevada.
This exhibition is made possible by the generosity of: Major Sponsor: Mario J. Gabelli, CEO Gabelli Funds; Sponsors: Nancy and Ron Remington.
Media: For high resolution images, visit http://bit.ly/AudubonPressImages.
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About Nevada Museum of Art
The Nevada Museum of Art is the only art museum in Nevada accredited by the American Alliance of Museums. A private, non-profit organization founded in 1931, the Reno-based institution is supported by its membership as well as sponsorships, gifts and grants. Through its permanent collections, original exhibitions and programming, and E.L. Cord Museum School, the Nevada Museum of Art provides meaningful opportunity for people to engage with a range of art and educational experiences. Its Center for Art + Environment is an internationally-recognized research center dedicated to supporting the practice, study, and awareness of creative interactions between people and their environments. The Center houses unique archive materials from more than 1,000 artists working on all seven continents, including Cape Farewell, Michael Heizer, Walter de Maria, Lita Albuquerque, Burning Man, Center for Land Interpretation, Ugo Rondinone’s Seven Magic Mountains, and Trevor Paglen’sOrbital Reflector. Learn more at nevadaart.org.