Emergency Working Artist Project Grant FY21

This funding will allow me to purchase supplies and take the time to create a series of paintings which otherwise might not generate funding through conventional means such as gallery sales. I have executed three large projects based on science in recent years. In 2018 I worked as an artist at sea aboard the R/V Falkor and created 8 paintings about methane seep research in the deep ocean which were shown at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, California and MIT in Cambridge, Massachusetts. I also created 18 paintings about science in Northern Minnesota which was exhibited at Duluth Pottery along with free talks involving local researchers. Most recently, in 2020. I completed a series of 14 paintings about federally and state listed endangered animals of Minnesota, which were shown at the Great Lakes Aquarium. Painting about science is something I am passionate about. I have numerous connections within the scientific community (locally and abroad) and hope to explore and give voice to the massive amount of engaging, relevant research through painting indefinitely.I will be successful if I am able to learn more about tardigrades from regional experts, translate this information into three large paintings, and exhibit the paintings in a public space. I also intend to compile resources to local research surrounding tardigrades as well as opportunities for citizen science.