Press Release
UF Botany student's scientific illustrations now on display at Fla. Museum
For Immediate Release Aug. 21, 2006
Contact:
Paul Ramey, APR
Assistant Director, Marketing and Public Relations
Florida Museum of Natural History
(352) 846-2000, ext. 218, pramey@ufl.edu
Writer: Lauren Williams
PHOTOS AVAILABLE
GAINESVILLE, Fla. --- "Illustrating the Wonders of Tropical Biodiversity: A Biologist's Perspective" is now on display at the Florida Museum of Natural History through Dec. 10. The 18 scientific illustrations by University of Florida Botany doctoral student Camila Pizano utilize pencil, pen and ink, and watercolors combined with color pencils.
"Botanical illustrations, beautiful in their precision, are a time-honored art dating back to the early days of natural history inquiry as scientists began to document the planet's diversity and investigate the nature of organisms and their relationships" said Darcie MacMahon, assistant director in charge of exhibits at the Florida Museum. "Pizano's crisp illustrations contribute to the continuing study of plant life in tropical America."
Pizano was born in Bogotá, Colombia. A course on natural science illustration at Cornell University revealed her true passion – combining science and art. She studied biology at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, and is now a doctoral student in Botany at UF. She plans to continue illustrating as a complement to her scientific career. Past exhibitions include Cornell University, Smithsonian Tropical Research Station, Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, and the Natural History Museum at the National University in Colombia.
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The Florida Museum of Natural History is Florida's state natural history museum, dedicated to understanding, preserving and interpreting biological diversity and cultural heritage. It is located near the intersection of Southwest 34th Street and Hull Road in the University of Florida Cultural Plaza in Gainesville. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Butterfly Rainforest admission is $8.50 for adults ($7.50 Fla. residents) and $4.50 for children ages 3-12. Prices subject to change. For more information, including directions and parking, call (352) 846-2000, or visit, www.flmnh.ufl.edu.