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Join us in crafting a distinctive butterfly mobile for the Marion Natural History Museum, drawing inspiration from the detailed illustrations of Maria Sibylla Merian. In this workshop, participants will combine historical accuracy with modern design to produce a captivating display that will hang above our antique butterfly case. Together, we’ll recreate life-sized butterflies, capturing the essence of their natural movement. Be part of this collaborative effort where art, history, and science converge. No prior art experience required.
Project leaders: MNHM Board of Trustees President, Karen Alves-Cronin, alongside Lisa Bates and Erin Taylor from Design Principles, Inc., a Marion-based creative, marketing, and web development firm.
Who is Maria Sibylla Merian?
Maria Sibylla Merian (1647–1717) — A pioneering naturalist and entomologist, Maria Sibylla Merian stands as a beacon in the realm of scientific illustration. Born in Frankfurt, Merian’s passion for nature and art intertwined from a young age.\
Venturing beyond the confines of her time, she undertook daring expeditions, most notably to Surinam, to study and document the metamorphosis of insects in their natural habitats. Her groundbreaking work, particularly “Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium”, not only showcased her artistic brilliance, but also laid foundational insights into the life cycles of insects, challenging prevailing notions of her time. Today, Merian’s legacy continues to inspire, bridging the gap between art and science, and reminding us of the intricate wonders of the natural world.
Learn More!
- The British Museum: Maria Sibylla Merian: pioneering artist of flora and fauna
- Maria Sybilla Merian’s Metamorphosis of a Small Emperor Moth on a Damson Plum: Getty Conversations
- Wikimedia Commons: Metamorphosis insectorum Surinamensium – Merian
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