Art in Service of Science: Happy Birthday, Julie Child | On Cape

“Anyone want a dead catbird?” It’s a sunny June day, and five women, students in a nature drawing class led by Woods Hole artist and teacher Julie Child, are gathered around the contents of the small box that was brought in by a friend. They’re used to seeing such specimens, ranging from insects to birds, considered as possible subjects for their nature drawing sessions, but today there are no takers; the students are all immersed in their individual art projects, with materials they’ve set out on a long table, their workspace at the Woods Hole Library. Several have been working for many weeks on their drawings.

Each student is creating a project of her own choice, and Child, a slim figure with short, curly hair, moves around the room from person to person, listening quietly, offering a brief suggestion or sitting down to touch up the shape of an insect antenna here or an owl’s feather there.

Julie Child, who turned 90 years old in June, has combined her talent for observing and drawing nature into a long career as a biological illustrator and educator. Much of her life has been spent in the community of Woods Hole, contributing her scientific and art expertise and helping engage others in the pleasures of connecting with the world of nature. Read rest of the article here.

Source: Art In Service Of Science: Happy Birthday, Julie Child | On Cape Magazine