(photo credit: George Miller)
Scientists often have difficulty explaining scientific concepts to the public. It's challenging to know one's audience and effectively communicate complex scientific concepts. This communication is such a challenge, that Stony Brook College has developed the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science to help scientists "communicate more directly and personally."
Using art to talk about science is a very effective way to reach people who might not necessarily be interested in science. I was fortunate to observe this type of communication at a local art opening at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Alexandria VA this past weekend. Among many other fascinating pieces, Lisa Schumaier presented her creation, "Habitation of Bees." Ms. Schumaier is a skilled communicator, using her art to share ideas with local audiences. I first met Ms. Schumaier when my son attended one of her art camps, and witnessed her skill at communicating with students, young and old.
In her latest work, Ms. Schumaier continues to effectively communicate environmental ideas to the public. The artist's explanation stated that the work "explores bees, highlights their individuality, ingenuity and importance to our world. The use of entirely recycled materials for the installation hints at our own part in the destruction of the environment that sustains us all."
As a former beekeeper, I found this display beautiful and fascinating. The tiny bees were each created out of Christmas lights and their hive was made of thousands of pieces of rolled paper carefully glued into place to resemble a beehive or the tunnels of solitary bees.
(photo credit: George Miller)
(photo credit: George Miller)
Near this display was a table reminding attendees about the role that bees play in pollination.
(photo credit: Desiree Di Mauro)
The tiny bees are for sale with the proceeds supporting The Navajo Bee Project. This program reintroduces beekeeping into the Navajo pastoral economy, where a hive that brings in between $600-$800 worth of income from honey and wax can be a great benefit to this community with an unemployment rate of up to 42%.
This art exhibit is especially effective, because it uses different methods for communicating to different audiences. Whether you're a visual arts lover, a foodie, or a philanthopist, there's something here for you. But here's the take-home lesson, as Ms. Schumaier explained it -- we need to love our bees and pollinators!
(photo credit: Desiree Di Mauro)
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