Next month, on Thursday January 11, I’m giving a presentation about the field of science illustration and about a project I’ve been working on for the last couple years. I’ll be including many of my illustrations as well as a handful of illustrations by other illustrators. The talk is for the local naturalist group Nature Guelph; it is free and open to the public. Details are here and the description is below. All are invited.

In this image-filled presentation, natural science illustrator Emily S. Damstra will give an overview of her profession and then discuss a recent project: A life-size illustration of Late Goldenrod (Solidago altissima) in four seasons, along with illustrations of insects and other organisms that utilize goldenrod. Take a tour of this beautiful native wildflower, a biodiversity superhero that hosts a number of insects with surprising life stories.

Bio: Through her work as a freelance natural science illustrator, Emily Damstra delves into the diverse subjects of zoology, botany, anthropology, ecology, and paleontology as she helps her clients communicate messages about the natural world. Her illustrations may be seen on interpretive signs in museums, zoos, and natural areas as well as in many different publications, including the books Guide to Great Lakes Fishes by Gerald R. Smith and The Atlantic Coast; A Natural History by Harry Thurston. Emily was awarded the 2017 Guelph Arts Council Jane Graham Memorial Award. She works in her home studio in Guelph.

Nature Guelph events are open to non-members and everyone is welcome! This event is free, but donations are always appreciated. If you enjoy our events and programs, we hope you will consider buying an annual membership. Nature Guelph memberships are: Individual: $25.00, Student: $10

The meeting begins at 7:30 PM and should be over by about 9 PM. The location is the Arboretum Centre at the University of Guelph Arboretum; map here. Parking is free.

goldenrod gall fly life cycle and tall goldenrod Eurosta solidaginis

Illustration of the goldenrod gall fly life cycle and Solidago altissima © Emily S. Damstra