Panel B: National Wildlife Refuge Poster Project

Abstract

Art and science are related and intertwined. One area in which art is important to the sciences is interfacing with the general public. Arguably, one of the most important topics for science to communicate with the public about is conservation. Across the Southeastern United States there are many wildlife refuges that work to provide habitats for local flora and fauna, preserve local ecology, and educate the public about conservation. I am working on an ongoing project to aid these refuges by providing materials such as posters that showcase the refuges’ wildlife conservation efforts. Collaborating with the refuges has been a great learning experience. Being my first project using digital art as a medium, I have learned valuable art skills such as how to use the program Procreate and its various layering tools. I have also learned about communicating with clients from large organizations such as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Interacting within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service chain of command helped me find the right individuals to connect with about projects, and, develop my scheduling skills. Lastly, I have learned that it is important for an artist to research subject matter to properly represent the science, landscapes and refuge species for this project. Overall, this project has taught me how symbiotic art and science truly are and that both are necessary for the betterment of our world.