Art Lab Panel Welcomes Renowned Artist Jan Dilenschneider

"Lazy Stream" by Jan Dilenschneider

Tϲapp and welcomed renowned artist Jan Dilenschneider with a panel discussion on Oct. 16 to kick off the exhibition “Nature, Divine: Preserving Ecology Through Color” a collection of oil paintings depicting earthy vistas, tranquil skyscapes, and subaquatic life that focuses on our environment and what we need to do to protect it. Art Lab is presenting the exhibit at ϲappas part of its mission to expand and strengthen the intersection of art and science.

Dilenschneider was joined on the panel by high-school students Miranda Van Mooy and Sadie Leveque, ϲappHibbitt Fellow Duygu Özpolat, and ϲappSenior Scientist Roger Hanlon. Their discussion focused on the intersection between science and art and explored the potential of linking the two mediums to engage a broader community.

Moderator Bill Hough, editor and publisher of The Falmouth Enterprise, and panelists Jan Dilenschneider, Sadie Leveque, Miranda Van Mooy, Duygu Özpolat, and  Roger Hanlon. Credit: Jane Marks
Moderator Bill Hough, editor and publisher of The Falmouth Enterprise, and panelists Jan Dilenschneider, Sadie Leveque, Miranda Van Mooy, Duygu Özpolat, and  Roger Hanlon. Credit: Jane Marks

Panelists discussed how combining art and science can take different forms, including how scientists analyze the unique patterns of camouflage used by cephalopods (octopus, squid, and cuttlefish). Hanlon, a leading cephalopod expert, noted that artists can often see designs and patterns in a different light, offering an alternative perspective.

Van Mooy, a senior at Falmouth High School, and Leveque, a freshman at Falmouth Academy, gave special insight into the perspective of a younger generation, noting that in the time of climate change, reaching a wider audience has never been more important.

“Art is the universal language,” said Van Mooy. “In the absence of text it can be understood globally.”

The collection will be on display in the Meigs Gallery at the Swope Conference Center at ϲappthrough November 16. Admission is free and open to the public.