GNSI Conference: Making Social Connections

by Scott Rawlins

In this age of information with instant messaging and “fingertouch” communication, it’s sometimes hard to imagine a world where the best ways to connect with distant relatives, friends and colleagues was by mailed letters and long-distance phone calls.  One of the reasons why the Guild came into existence was to provide easier communication among members and to give them a venue to hone skills, share experiences and strengthen friendships.  Probably the best way to achieve this goal is participation in the annual conference.  
 
Despite advances in technology that allow for faster, more effective communication, there is no substitute for face-to-face interactions.  This is especially obvious to those of us who have been most profoundly affected by the social consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.  While it’s true that social and professional network sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc. are somewhat effective substitutes for real-time, in-person interactions, and our recent conferences have offered chances for those who cannot travel to connect on a personal level to a degree, there is something special about being able to occupy the same space as those with whom you are socializing.
 
Guild conferences have always provided members with numerous opportunities to connect – with friends and colleagues who really understand what scientific illustration is about and are familiar with the joys and concerns experienced by those of us who are not exactly scientists and not exactly fine artists (though there are those who are both and those who are neither).  It has been said that in order to advance in the world it’s important to cultivate relationships – it’s “who you know” that is most important.  While this might sound somewhat cynical, the truth is that at Guild conferences this kind of networking requires no effort.  Friendship, mentorship, collegiality and comradeship are givens.  The past two years have alerted us to the value of personal interaction – whether in person or online.  Let’s continue to connect through our local chapter and group meetings and especially events like annual conferences!

GNSI Local Chapters: https://www.gnsi.org/local-chapters

The Geography of the GNSI

Dearest GNSI Members,

As we navigate through a season that in North America includes the winter solstice and day with the shortest span of daylight in our calendar year, I am in a reflective mood. Since accepting the honor of serving as President of the Guild this summer, I have enjoyed the challenges and rewards inherent in collaborating with the diverse and rich leadership and expertise that all of you bring to this organization. My every meeting and correspondence has deepened my respect for each of you and broadened my hope for what we are and what we can become.

For any GNSI members residing in New England: The New England chapter is seeking entries for a show on mass migrations in the NE area. Chapter membership not required. The show will run November 13 - December 27. Submit your entry forms by September 1st.

Mass migrations take place all over the world, yet when someone mentions mass migration, we are more likely to imagine huge herds of wildebeests and zebra on the plains of Africa than the visitors who come to our own backyards, ponds, rivers, forests, and beaches right here in New England. You don’t have to go on a safari halfway around the globe to encounter a migratory species, sometimes you simply have to step out into your own yard.

A video recording of Jeff Day's lecture for the GNSI-DC Chapter is now available on GNSI's YouTube Channel and below.

From Comics to Medical Art

Our warmest welcome to the recently formed GNSI Maine Group! Here's a note from the President, Amy Gagnon:
We are pleased to announce that we are starting a GNSI Maine group! Our group will be based in Bar Harbor and will meet at the College of the Atlantic Dorr Natural History Museum.  

“Celebrating 10 Years of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators – Great Plains Chapter” exhibit of scientific illustrations by Great Plains Chapter members is on display through November at the University of Nebraska Love Library. The exhibit includes over 40 works of art along with tools, specimens and educational information about scientific illustration.

The exhibit is featured on the University of Nebraska-Lincoln website with information on what science illustrators do, and a full list of the artists participating.

A video recording of Sandra Schachat's lecture for the GNSI-DC Chapter is now available on the GNSI's YouTube Channel and below.

Sandra R. Schachat's work combines insect evolution and visual evidence in various ways: she has studied the evolution of moth and butterfly wing patterns, has examined fossil leaves for evidence of insect feeding, and has explored how the history of art can be used to understand evolving societal attitudes toward insects.

The GNSI-Great Lakes Chapter invites all GNSI members living in states that border the Great Lakes to exhibit this spring at the Brushwood Center at Ryerson Woods, Riverwoods, Illinois. The Brushwood Center seeks to nurture art, nature, and discovery in its mission of environmental education.

Prospectus

Subject matter can include birds, nests, eggs, bird-related plants, etc.  All media and styles will be considered. Brushwood Center hosts six art exhibitions a year that explore the intersection of art, science, and nature.  They exhibit work in all visual media (photography, sculpture, painting, mixed media, drawing and video) that is inspired by, critiques or reflects on the natural world. 

Reminder: GNSI-Great Lakes Chapter 2015 Exhibit Entries Due Soon 

• Exhibit Title: Capturing the Essence: Connecting People and Nature Through Art
• Eligibility: Open to all current GNSI members living in the Great Lakes region.
• Exhibit Location: Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood McHenry County, Illinois
• Subjects: Plants, animals, habitats, & any natural subjects of Illinois or the Midwest
• Medium: Any 2D medium except photography
• Submission Deadline: May 8

Send submissions to [email protected]

The members of the GNSI-Great lakes Chapter invite all GNSI members living in the Great Lakes region to join us for an exhibit this summer. 

ELIGIBILITY: Open to all current GNSI members living in the Great Lakes region. 
SUBJECTS: Plants, animals, habitats, & any natural subjects of Illinois or the Midwest
MEDIUM: Any 2D medium except photography
SUBMISSION DEADLINE: May 8 
EXHIBIT LOCATION: Lost Valley Visitor Center in Glacial Park, Route 31 & Harts Road, Ringwood McHenry County, Illinois

The GNSI-DC Chapter invites submissions for the upcoming exhibit, Beautiful Maryland: Natural Science Illustrations of the Chesapeake Bay Region, from all members that have attended at least one GNSI-DC meeting in the last year.

TIMELINE:

This is an invitation to GNSI members living in states and provinces bordering the Great Lakes to submit entries to Fourth Coast Illuminated, an exhibition of art featuring flora, fauna, and archaeological artifacts of the region.

• Submission Deadline: March 21, 2014
• Acceptance Notifications Sent: April 5 - 7
• Delivery Of Accepted Work: June 23 - 27
• Exhibit Dates: July 1 - August 30, 2014. [Kalamazoo Nature Center will be hosting the Association of Nature Center Administrators annual Summit August 20-23.]
• Exhibit Location: Kalamazoo Nature Center's Glen Vista Gallery, Kalamazoo, MI.
• Eligibility: Open to all current GNSI members living in Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario.
• Subjects: Plants, animals, habitats, landscapes, natural & archaeological artifacts of the Great Lakes region.

The exhibit will be on display at the Kalamazoo Nature Center in its Glen Vista Gallery July 1 - August 30, 2014. Kalamazoo Nature Center is one of the most highly regarded nature centers in the country and is considered a leader in the field. Their Glen Vista Gallery is large, well-lit, and free from visual distraction. As a bonus, the KNC will host the Association of Nature Center Administrators' annual Summit during the exhibit, providing an interested and appreciative audience.

August 2 and 3rd, 2013 the GNSI Oregon Group hosted a computer workshop geared toward Scientific Illustrators as part of our ongoing Ocean Art Challenge. Our members had indicated improving basic computer skills was high on their wish list.

Amadeo Bachar, the digital media instructor for the Scientific Illustration Program at California State University in Monterey, provided an excellent workshop plan for us, and was an excellent and very qualified teacher, and very patient.

GNSI-DC had a wonderful send-off for 2012 with a well-attended holiday gathering at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History on Dec. 18th.

It was a pleasure to see old friends, and new faces interested in Science Illustration.  
Attendees brought friends and family to join in the fun.

The New England Chapter of the Guild of Natural Science Illustrators held an exhibition of work entitled " A Closer Look: Guild of Natural Science Illustrators New England chapter recent works" at the South Shore Nature Center, Norwell, Massachusetts.

The GNSI Great Lakes Chapter invites all GNSI members residing in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan to join their exhibit at the Fernwood Botanical Garden in Niles, Michigan. The title of the exhibit is Great Lakes Chapter of the Guild of Natural Scientific Illustrators Exhibit: Spring Botanicals.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE: JANUARY 14, 2013
LOCATION: Fernwood Botanical Gardens, Niles, MI
EXHIBIT DATES: February 28 -April 14, 2013
OPENING RECEPTION: Sunday, March 3, 3:30-5:50 pm

Here is a Call For Entries for our upcoming GNSI-CA show "California Jewels" to be held from November 1 - December 31, 2012 at the Environmental Education Center in Tilden Regional Park (in Berkeley, CA).

Entries are due by September 1, 2012.