Biology research inspires large-scale printmaking collaboration at Art Walk

Faculty research from Marshall University’s Department of Biological Sciences took on a new form this fall as students in ART 302: Relief Printmaking transformed scientific research into large-scale works of art for the October 16 Downtown Huntington Art Walk.

Led by Sarah McDermott of the School of Art and Design, students interviewed faculty members about their research and created original relief prints inspired by the conversations. The finished works were printed during the Art Walk using a pavement roller, giving visitors a chance to watch the printing process and engage with both the artwork and the research behind it.

Five Biology faculty members participated in the project. Dr. Shane Welch’s research on coyote behavior inspired artwork by Gabby Smith, while Dr. Jayme Waldron’s work with hellbenders and rattlesnakes informed prints created by Marissa Mynes and Alex Eaches. Anna Rumple interpreted Dr. Herman Mays’ research on bird evolution in East Asia, Kristen Pack explored Dr. Pamela Puppo’s work on pollinators of wild ramps, and Mason Riggs created a print based on Dr. Kyle Palmquist’s research in fire ecology.

The collaboration highlighted the connections between science and the arts while introducing community members to research taking place at Marshall University. By translating biological research into visual art, students created new ways for audiences to engage with topics ranging from wildlife conservation and ecology to pollinator biology and evolution. The project also provided students with hands-on experience communicating complex ideas through creative expression.