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USGS National Wetlands Research Center Celebrates National Women's History Month
The scientific-journal articles were written, the greenhouse experiments were set up, and the researchers were towing airboats to their study sites in the marsh, but in spring there was a little something extra ("lagniappe" in the Cajun culture) happening at the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Wetlands Research Center (NWRC) in Lafayette, Louisiana. When Debbie Norling, secretary for the wetland ecology and forest ecology branches, learned that the theme for the 2008 National Women's History Month would be "Women's Art, Women's Vision," she proposed that the center host an art exhibit featuring the work of local women artists. In keeping with the scientific mission of NWRC, the theme became "Women's Art: Women's Vision of the Natural World."
In less than a month, more than 35 artists had committed to participate in the exhibition, scheduled to run from March 10 to 14. The only criterion for display was that the work reflect the interpretation of nature in either subject matter or materials used. Norling and Christina Boudreaux, a contract (IAP World Services, Inc.) visual-information specialist with the USGS Enterprise Publishing Network, transformed NWRC's public space (lobby, large conference room, and main hallway) into a gallery featuring paintings, sculptures, block prints, wood carvings, ceramics, photographs, and textile art.
USGS outreach contractor Susan Horton (IAP World Services, Inc.) helped with publicity and the opening reception, held March 10. More than 200 people enjoyed the artist's reception and the weeklong exhibit in celebration of National Women's History Month. Dr. Jean Kreamer, one of the artists, told the NWRC planners: "What a wonderful show and reception! You and your team would fool the Metropolitan Museum of Art with the pros that you are, naturally. The best part of this project has been working with all of you and celebrating your great work."
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in this issue:
USGS NWRC Celebrates National Women's History Month USGS Promoted at National Science Teachers Association Conference Field Trip for Association of American Geographers Meeting New Poster Depicts Complex Bathymetry in Northern Monterey Bay |