Connecting the Visible and Invisible Worlds of Art and Microbiology is a collaborative project between the departments of Art History and Biology at the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota.
Led by Dr. Joanna Klein (Biology) in partnership with curators Marria Thompson, Gretchen Burau, and Christine Dent (Art History) and co-coordinated by Dr. Heather Shirey (Art History), agar art workshops in the Schoenecker Center provided an opportunity for members of the University of St. Thomas community to use live microbes and petri dishes as the means for the creation of works of art. A learning community engaged in readings, discussions, museum visits, and a workshop focused on microbiomes of art and their role in restoration and conservation. Additionally, students undertook a mentored research project focusing on the microbes present on works of art in our collections.
This project would not have been possible without the support of the College of Arts and Sciences. Special thanks to Suzanne Burke (Art History) and student assistants Rhiannon, Shaylee, Muna, Rose, and Emily.