Murray State University celebrated Earth Day on May 1 with its fourth annual Nature Art Exhibition, displaying works from students, staff, faculty, and regional artists in the Biology Atrium throughout April.
The event aimed to raise awareness about biological conservation through art. More than 65 artworks were submitted this year, and a judging panel selected 30 pieces for exhibition. The sponsors included the Jesse D. Jones College of Science, Engineering and Technology; Watershed Studies Institute; Murray State University’s Department of Biological Sciences and Department of Art and Design; and the Murray Art Guild.
The judging panel consisted of Debi Danielson, Executive Director of Murray Art Guild; Professor Cintia Segovia from the Department of Art and Design; and Drs. Kate He and Howard Whiteman from the Department of Biological Sciences. Segovia announced the competition winners at a reception held in Logan Hall Biology Atrium on April 23.
Dr. Dena Weinberger won Best Overall Award for her piece “Inside the Colony.” Weinberger said: “‘Inside the Colony’ is an ink mandala of a colony of ants. Everyone has a job. Some workers feed the queen at the center who is laying eggs, which are cared for by nurse workers as they progress through larval and pupal stages. Other workers are digging or foraging. Soldiers patrol the entrance and drones fly away to mate. To complete the circle of life that a mandala represents, find the dead ant.”
Second Place went to Stephanie Young for her photograph “Belly up on the Ohio.” Young said: “The photo was taken early one summer morning at the foot of Broadway in Paducah, Kentucky… Sunny days and higher temperatures lower the oxygen level in the water, killing many larger fish and creating a very unpleasant, smelly greeting!”
Third Place was awarded to Dr. Laura Sullivan-Beckers for “Migratory Freedom,” described as “a monotype featuring a distinctly migratory woodpecker… perched on the Statue of Liberty.” Honorable Mentions went to Amanda Peiffer (“On The Tip Of My Finger”)—who highlighted environmental impacts while handling wildlife—and Landann Brown (“Renewal”), who reflected on ecosystems’ interconnectedness.
Exhibition organizer Dr. Kate He said this collaborative project offers an opportunity for participants to showcase their talents while communicating about keeping Earth healthy: “He would like to thank all individuals involved in this project… who provided tremendous support to make this event successful.”
