What happens when one combines science and art? Scientists and other members of the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station community have spent the past several months exploring this question, and are gathering next month to showcase and celebrate the results of that exploration.

The public is invited to the free event, called the Allurement Salon, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7, in the Richland Community Hall, located at 8985 Gull Road, across from the Richland Harding’s Market. The salon will feature expressions of research and the natural world through original artwork, including photography, drawing and poetry.

Understanding research through the arts

The Allurement Salon is organized by the KBS Long-term Ecological Research program, which this spring welcomed its first artist-in-residence, Erin Schneider, a poet, farmer and co-owner of Hilltop Community Farm in La Valle, Wisconsin.

“It’s a real joy to help facilitate new connections, discoveries and understanding of the research underway at KBS through the arts,” says Schneider. “I hope this is the first of many salons and art-science residencies wherein we have a chance to illuminate new perspectives to problems and possibilities within our communities and further our understanding of place, and each other.”

In addition to viewing original art, attendees will have an opportunity to meet artists and other members of the KBS community, enjoy poetry readings, and participate in an on-site collaborative art project.

“We’re thrilled to explore our science in new ways and are excited to share our journey of art-science collaborations with our Richland-area neighbors,” notes Julie Doll, KBS LTER outreach and education coordinator.

Great Grounds Coffee Café will provide coffee and espresso, and other refreshments also will be available. RSVPs are encouraged at arts.kbs.lter@kbs.msu.edu.