Visual SciComm Conference 2025
Panel Discussions
We have five panel discussions in store for you, including the learning program at RISD, art advocacy, artists residencies, the Scientific Illustration Distance Program, and the fascinating world of creating graphics for National Geographic. Join us!
RISD Reaching Out:
The Path from the Lab to Online Learning
Mondy, July 14th
Botanical and Science Illustrator, Pencil/Color Pencil and Mixed Media Artist, and Instructor
The COVID crisis proved to be a logistical hurdle to higher education institutions worldwide. Fortunately, some schools already had some online course offerings active in their curriculum. The Continuing Education Program at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD-CE) was among them. The challenge facing RISD-CE was taking an entire in-person Continuing Education program and migrating it to the online space. Discover how this was a successful collaboration at the administrative, instructional, and experiential level, as RISD-CE delivered its renowned Natural Science Illustration courses to a wider, international audience and entered the online realm for the future.
Scientific Illustration Distance Program
and Beyond
Monday, July 14th
The final course in the Scientific Illustration Distance Program (SIDP) is an internship with a scientist or an Independent Study (IS). Through their internship or IS, students utilize their SIDP skills in a professional way, make professional contacts, write contracts, and further expand their skills and knowledge. Every student’s project is different. Come see their work and listen to their experiences. There will be plenty of time for Q&A.
Graduates from the Scientific Illustration Distance Program (SIDP) will be presenting along with Gretchen.
SIDP logo
Art as Advocacy:
Artists Inspire Conservation Awareness
Tuesday, July 15th
This panel will focus on the critical role art plays in raising awareness and fostering action on complex environmental challenges. Organizers of the recent exhibition, The Horseshoe Crab: Against All Odds, will discuss how they collaborated with artists to support the Southeastern Massachusetts Pine Barrens Alliance in their mission to protect horseshoe crabs from ongoing exploitation. By integrating art with scientific presentations and exhibits, children's activities and a book display, this exhibition expanded the reach of conservation messages, connecting with audiences who might not typically resonate with purely scientific arguments. This creative partnership demonstrates how artists and conservationists can unite to inspire civic engagement and drive meaningful change.
Linda Coombs, author and historian from the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), discusses horseshoe crabs in Wampanoag history and culture at the Plymouth Center for the Arts during the exhibition, The Horseshoe Crab Against All Odds, July, 2024.
Creating Graphics at
National Geographic Magazine
Tuesday, July 15th
Concocting the Maps and Graphics on the pages of National Geographic Magazine - The National Geographic magazine has been published continuously since 1888. Reaching millions of readers every month in more than 30 languages as a print publication and many more every day as digital news, the magazine continues to be a reference in quality science, history and geography storytelling.
One of its strengths is the Department of Maps and Graphics whose team works to turn complex concepts into clear compelling visuals. Diana Marques, Lucas Petrin, and Liz Sisk will talk about the intricate process that takes an idea for a map or graphic all the way to its final print or digital form, living side by side with dramatic photography and riveting text.
Learn how maps and graphics are researched, developed, critiqued, and checked to ensure the best possible results and how they contribute to the mission of exploring, educating, and engaging with our world.
Under Jerusalem Cover for National Geographic Magazine. Dec 2019. Art by Bose Collins.
For the Love of
Artist Residencies
Wednesday, July 16th
Professional Artist and Professor of Illustration at Hartford Art School, University of Hartford
Come and join Kristin Gjerdset, Gretchen Halpert, and Carol Schwartz for an informative discussion about artist-in-residence programs and the possibilities they can bring. We’ll discuss the different types of residencies and factors to consider when choosing one. Discover how an artist can benefit from attending a residency, including going to exciting, unique locations and the boost it can give to your art and career. We’ll talk about how to find a residency suited to a specific need and the steps involved in applying. Gretchen, Kristin, and Carol will give examples of their experiences attending a number of residencies. Find out about the wonderful world of artist-in-residency programs and what they may do for you!
Wild carrot/Daucus carota experiments, Gretchen Halpert, watercolor and acrylic, 2003, Edmund Niles Huyck Preserve Residency
