Natural Observers: A Conversation at the Intersection of Art and Science

Observing and documenting nature is part of a long tradition in science going back centuries. This is a discussion about the relationship between art, observation, and scientific inquiry. The panel discusses the role of early naturalists in illuminating the world and explores the role of close observation and ways of knowing and sharing observations about the living world through art. The panel features University of Minnesota faculty and staff, including: Jennifer Powers, Professor, Plant and Microbial Biology Charlie Willis, Teaching Associate Professor, Biology Teaching and Learning Daniel Stanton, Assistant Professor, Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Moderated by Holly Menninger, Executive Director, Bell Museum — This event was originally held on November 5, 2025, and was organized by the College of Biological Sciences at the University of Minnesota.