PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — Illustrating Nature, the much-anticipated showing of student works from CSUMB’s graduate Science Illustration Program will once again be on display at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History starting Friday, May 2nd. A landmark 15th year of partnership between the Natural History Museum and CSUMB, the exhibit is a beautiful demonstration of the deep connections between the natural and human worlds.

“Each year, we are given the chance to witness how these talented illustrators interpret the natural world.” Says Dr. Rachel Miller, the Museum’s Executive Director, “Every artist brings their own unique perspective, style, and personal story behind the illustration they have chosen to exhibit. The Pacific Grove Museum is proud to support these emerging illustrators as they launch their careers and share their incredible talent with our community.”

The program at CSUMB is one that prepares its students for the world of scientific illustration, and they obtain mastery in a variety of artistic techniques and learn techniques for starting a business, selling designs, and more. Most students come in with scientific or artistic backgrounds, and the program takes them through not just the ways to illustrate science but to work with scientists and institutions. “The pieces you'll see in the exhibit are more than just beautiful pieces of art.” Says Reid Psaltis, head of the Science Illustration Program at CSUMB. “They are the end products of an extensive amount of planning, research and effort from our students to tell stories, explain scientific concepts, and inspire.”

The Exhibit will open with a meet-the-artists reception from 6:30-8:30pm on Friday, May 2nd. In a change of pace, the show will have its longest run ever at the Museum with a six-week showing ending June 15th. The Museum and Science Illustration Program would like to extend their thanks to the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for funding this exhibit work.

During its run, the Museum will host several accompanying events including:

· Workshops led by program graduates May 17 and June 14

· Free student art demonstrations on May 24th and June 14th

· A student art market held during the Museum’s First Friday on June 6 from 6-8pm where prints, stickers, posters, and more will be sold by the artists themselves.

Those interested in seeing a sneak peek of the art on display can find it starting April 14 on the Museum’s website: Exhibits — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

Upcoming Events at the Museum:

Free Science Saturday: Student Research Symposium, 4/26, 10am-3pm

Illustrating Nature Public Opening, 5/2, 6:30-8:30pm

Walk of Remembrance, 5/10, 10am-2pm

Illustrating Nature Artist Market, 6/6, 6-8pm

Jade Beneath the Sea Opening & Ribbon Cutting, 6/12, 5:30-7:30pm

History on Tap: Steinbeck, Ricketts, & The Sea of Cortez, 6/19, 5:30-7:30pm

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

The museum is currently hiring for two positions to join their award-winning education team. Find out more at our website: Careers — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.