Taught by

Both art and science require close observation of the natural world and critical thinking about what you see. People have been making these close observations and analyses of animals, plants and ecology for as long as people have been living in the Pacific Northwest. It has not been until relatively recently in our history that we have divided these activities into two separate disciplines.

In this program we will examine the natural history of the Pacific Northwest through the lenses of art and biology and compare and contrast these ways of looking at the world. We will emphasize close observation and critical and creative thinking around interpreting what you observe. Students will learn about the natural history of the region with an emphasis on ecology and the biology of individual species of plants and animals. Through lectures, workshops and field trips we will examine the key elements of indigenous art and its cultural context. Students are expected to spend time in the field refining their observation, field research and art skills. In reading the work of artists and scientists whose work focuses on the Pacific Northwest, we will look for commonalities and differences in their approaches both between individuals and between disciplines and critique both works of art and works of biology for their creative and scientific content.

Students will do a final project focusing on an animal or plant native to the Pacific Northwest. Through work in Evergreen’s Natural History Museum collection, field work on campus and research in the library students will refine their observational drawings skills and develop a deeper understanding of the biology of their chosen organism.

NOTE: Students in this program will be attending the lectures, seminars and labs for the program Salmon, Raven and Whale: The Pacific Northwest in Art and Science but will be working on their final project observations, drawings and research rather than doing the wood carving studio art component.

Quarters

Fall Open

Location and Schedule

Campus Location

Olympia

Time Offered

Day