July 3, 2012

Whether in flight or in song, many birds display vibrant plumage that charm mates and photographers alike. This kaleidoscope of colored feathers is the subject of a current exhibit featuring images from the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University’s Visual Resources for Ornithology (VIREO) collection. Graphic Design students Krissy Beck, Lauren Beltramo and Catherine Lewandowski, under the direction of Graphic Design Professor Amy Rees, worked in collaboration with the Academy to design the exhibit located in the Academy’s Art of Science Gallery, which features changing displays of works of art that explore the interplay between science and art. Flirtatious Feathers provides a bird’s-eye view into the intimate world of winged creatures.

The students met with the Exhibits department at the Academy to see the space and understand the budgetary and physical constraints of the project. Over a five-week independent study they were tasked with developing two concepts: one that met the budget and physical requirements of the space, and a second option that could respond to the physical limitations of the space but without holding to a specific budget. The students presented their design options to the Academy's team that included the Exhibits department and representatives from the Vireo collection. The in-house team took ideas from each presentation to develop the exhibit, which will be up until September 23rd. Click here for more information.