Our Capacity for Wonder: Exploring the Natural World

An exhibit of artwork by the members of the

Guild of Natural Science Illustrators – Finger Lakes Chapter

Opening Saturday, April 9, 2-4pm

Show runs through May 22. Open gallery hours Fridays and Sundays, 12-4pm.

With music by the Maplewood Jazz Trio

"The intricacy of that leaf astonished me, and I was reminded that aesthetic beauty is as much about how and whether you look as what you see. I was, in short, face-to- face with something commensurate to my capacity of wonder. From the quark to the supernova, the wonders do not cease. It is our attentiveness that is in short supply, our ability and willingness to do the work that awe requires." - John Green, The Anthropocene Reviewed

Natural science illustration involves attentive observation and careful study of the natural world. Through visual language, artists help make research more accessible to wider audiences, expand our awareness of and appreciation for the natural world, and hopefully encourage us to support sustainability initiatives. It's all about taking the time to look and appreciate the wonders that surround us. 

In this exhibit you will see the diverse interpretations of Finger Lakes artists and their mediums of expression, and how their observations lead to new discoveries and a deeper appreciation for the natural environment. These observations require careful study and can be time intensive, but the rewards are incredibly satisfying.

Image: Kathy Brahney