So here's an interesting article I read the other day about a Van Gogh piece: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25934213/?GT1=43001

and if you go ahead and read that, you'll discover that researchers utilized some uber fancy technolgy to help out some art historian discover what exactly did Van Gogh hide underneath one of his paintings. Turns out underneath some grass lurked a portrait of a mystery woman!

What I find the most intriguing is how science helped art: according to the article, "The reconstruction enables art historians to understand the evolution of Van Gogh’s work better, the researchers said in a statement. And the new technique is expected to pave the way for research into many other concealed paintings"

But less publicized is how art helps science, which serves as one of the main themes of Beyond the Edge of the Sea. Scientists can better understand what exists in the depths of the ocean by looking at Karen Jacobsen's fantastic watercolor illustrations, and how cool is that?

I'm constantly on the lookout for more information on how the arts and sciences collaborate. One good example: the amazing bottle-cap magnets we made with some of our art camp kids. OK, so the science wasn' t that comclicated, and neither was the creative process. But with a small magnet, a bottle cap, magazine cut outs, and a lot of glue, I now have a beautiful and functional way to hold up both documents and watercolors on my refridgerator.

-Caitlin

From the Desk of Dr. Gorman

Of course I need no introductions, but just for those not yet in the know, this is Amy, Curator of Education and New Media at the Muscarelle, and current warden of the DENmates. This summer has been a whirlwind of projects on exhibitions, education, research, marketing and development, all gearing up for our Extreme Exploration exhibitions including Beyond the Edge of the Sea: Diversity of Life, Celestial Images, and Underwater Photography by Dennis Libberson.
As we come to a close of the summer, I have to say thank you for the incredible work everyone has contributed to the DEN this season; Kathryn, Rusty, Paula, Megan, Sara G, Sarah W, Caitlin, Ansley, Jen, Christina, and Dave.

Amy

A Note on Bananas....

"I love bananas so much that I work at one!"





I was mocked mercilessly (but lovingly) by my fellow interns for this statement. I feel we have a pretty good comraderie here in the DEN, which hopefully shows in the work we do. There is no "I" in "DEN" of course. Kathryn and I have been double-teaming on a Beyond the Edge of the Sea education packet, and I might even have to ask someone's thoughts and opinions on this blog before I post it. We look out for each other, and thats just one of the many benefits of working at the Muscarelle.

p.s. I really do actually work at a Banana... Republic that is.
-Caitlin

Greetings DEN!

Greetings, fellow Den-dwellers!
I am Sarah and have only recently started working in the
Muscarelle
(this summer!)
But of course I will continue throughout the coming year!
I am a Junior--art major
which is why I work mainly on creative projects here at the museum:
illustrations!!!! (fun!) for various things like
Beyond the Edge and coloring books and pamphlets and of course anythingelsethatneedstobedone...
I am excited about this Blog, though, and Hope it will
be a great place to exchange ideas
and keep in touch
and up to date on everything going on at the museum!

Hello There!

Hello,

My name is Rusty and I am the "assistant to Development, Education, and New Media." I am a sophomore here at WM and have been in the museum for a year now. As far as what I do here, it changes just about everyday. Somedays it's laying out invitations, postcards, and newsletters, and others I'm just helping those in need of assistance. 

Currently, as Caitlin noted, we are all gearing up for Beyond the Edge of the Sea in the fall which is sure to be a smash hit. Briefly, the show is a wonderful collection of underwater illustrations of species found miles under the surface of the ocean. The watercolors were painted by Karen Jacobsen while on deep-ocean adventures with the legendary scientist Dr. Cindy Van Dover in the Alvin submersible. We have produced all kinds of amazing products such as a natural history guide, full exhibition catalog, and COLORING BOOK (my personal favorite). As a preview here is a sample coloring book. Who doesn't like connect the dots?

Hello!

I was told by the venerable Blog-Master Rusty, to write a blog to introduce myself. I'm Caitlin, and I'm an intern at the Muscarelle, working in the DEN as the Assistant Public Relations Coordinator. Though mostly I help out with everything, not just PR, but nice fancy titles never hurt anyone, right?
The Blogs that I've read are fun, witty, and a little bit sarcastic. However I can merely hope that our humble little blog will achieve those ideals. In real life I think us DEN-dwellers encompass all those things and more. And just as an aside, DEN stands for Development, Education, and New Media. The title serves as a cute little pun, since our office space is small, cozy, and just a little bit cluttered.
For the past few weeks, we've been hosting youth arts camps, and preparing the marketing for our upcoming exhbition Beyond the Edge of the Sea (Opens Sept. 5th- Come see it!) So the DEN itself is currently a jumble of press releases and crayons, layout notes and elmer's glue. We've also incorporated our new sunny, symmetric, and stupendous logo into everything we do. 
At this point I must get back to work, look for more posts to come!

-Caitlin