Plankton Painting
In this experimental photography workshop led by local artist and scientist Jess Holz, participants create ‘paintings’ using microscopic plankton collected from the Arboretum’s ponds. Participants use a microscope in combination with software which creates video akin to timelapse photography- acting at the decisive moment, participants snap photos of the trails created by these microscopic creatures. Participants will learn basic identification of microscopic pond life while getting a fascinating glimpse into their dynamic behavior, such as the helical paths of flagellates and the water currents generated by rotifers as they feed.
This program takes place entirely in the Hunnewell Lecture Hall, though participants are encouraged to visit the Ponds afterward to see where the plankton from their paintings came from!
See examples of previous plankton paintings at https://jessholz.com/plankton-painting/.
Accessibility: The lecture hall is wheelchair accessible.
Audience: This program is most appropriate for participants age 13+.
Inclement weather policy: Participants will be notified via email at least 24 hours in advance if a program needs to be cancelled due to inclement weather, and will be notified by phone if a program must be cancelled with less than 24 hours’ notice. Click here to view our full inclement weather policy. If you have questions about the status of a program, please email publicprograms@arnarb.harvard.edu or call the Visitor Center desk between 10:00am and 4:00pm at (617) 384-5209.