Life as Art: a Visual Science Fair is a new exhibit of artistic works created exclusively by UNC scientists. Beginning on April 15, forty-one faculty and graduate students in the life sciences will showcase their work at the North Carolina Botanical Gardens. The exhibit was first conceptualized as an opportunity to distill scientific concepts into evocative visual representations. Therefore, each piece represents a story, methodology, or discovery relevant to ongoing UNC research. 

“The usual medium through which biologists and ecologists communicate their research is text; however, research on living systems often begins with visual observations,” explains Jes Coyle, one of the graduate student organizers. “We solicited products that would be attractive to non-scientists while still representative of scientific inquiry.”

The exhibit will be on display at the NC Botanical Garden’s Pegg Hall April 15–27 as a part of the 2012 NC Science Festival. Visitors will be exposed to the diversity of biological research underway at UNC. Rich in wildlife photography and colorful imagery, this event is suitable for all ages. 

The campus community is invited to celebrate the grand opening of Life as Art with a reception on April 15 from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Bill Kier, chair of the UNC Biology Department, will welcome visitors and briefly discuss role of art in science communication. Attendees will be able to meet and engage with the scientists/artists. 

For visitation information, please visit www.ncsciencefestival.org/event/life-as-art.