CALENDAR ANNOUNCEMENT 

CONTACT: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us 

APALACHICOLA RESEARCH RESERVE HOSTS NEW EXHIBIT LINKING ART WITH SCIENCE 

~ Discover artistic beauty in a drop of water ~

WHAT:         Art+Science: Works on Exhibit by Beth Appleton

WHEN:         Opening Reception: Friday, Oct. 23, 2015
                      5-8 p.m.

                      Exhibit runs Tuesday - Saturday, Oct. 23, 2015 – Feb. 23, 2016
                      9 a.m.-4 p.m.

WHERE:       Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve Nature Center

                      108 Island Drive

                      Eastpoint, FL 32328

Apalachicola National Estuarine Research Reserve hosts “Art+Science: Works on Exhibit by Beth Appleton” at the Nature Center from Oct. 23, 2015, through Feb. 23, 2016. This exhibit presents a visual exploration that connects the microscopic world to Apalachicola’s dynamic estuary.

Inspired by Florida’s beautiful coastal environment, local artist Beth Appleton began her artistic exploration by observing a water sample taken from Apalachicola Bay under a microscope. She viewed the estuary’s tiniest inhabitants, diatoms, which are a common type of phytoplankton that are building blocks for the food chain. Diatoms, which are vital to the estuary, still influence her latest works.

“Mysteriously beautiful, I have learned that diatoms are so much more; they are vital to our health, the waters surrounding us and the world beyond,” Appleton said. “This exploration has led me to the creative bridge between art and science.”

“Art+Science: Works on Exhibit by Beth Appleton” showcases Appleton’s discoveries expressed as microphotography, cut-paper works, videos and digital assemblages. The Friends of the Reserve is hosting a free opening reception on Oct. 23, which is open to the public. The exhibit can be viewed, free of charge, in the Nature Center during normal business hours through Feb. 23, 2016. For additional information, call 850-670-7700. 

About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection's Florida Coastal Office

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s Florida Coastal Office (FCO) is responsible for oversight of the state’s 41 Aquatic Preserves, three National Estuarine Research Reserves, the Coral Reef Conservation Program, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, the Florida Coastal Management Program and the Outer Continental Shelf Program. It is the mission of FCO to conserve and restore Florida’s coastal, ocean, and aquatic resources for the benefit of people and the environment. For more information, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/coastal/.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/11e9ab5