During this 5-night Workshop led by artist/scientist Jerri Bartholomew, we’ll use the tools of art and science to explore how water, and lack of water, shape the unique ecosystems of Oregon’s Great Basin. In the field, we’ll explore the different habitats associated with Summer Lake and the neighboring Lake Abert. We will take day trips to explore the lakes and the ecosystems that define them, including Winter Ridge in the Fremont-Winema Forest, and the Summer Lake Wildlife Refuge* through which the Ana River flows. When possible, we’ll be joined by local biologists to provide their unique insights, and we’ll collect samples and data to explore further in the studio. We will carpool to sites of interest in personal vehicles.
In the studio, we’ll examine the collected material under the microscope to see complexities you can’t see with your naked eye. Using drawing and gel printing, and/or a medium of your choice, you will explore how perception changes with scale and how data can be incorporated into artwork to provide context and visual richness. Participants will keep a notebook and will create a collection of annotated prints or booklets describing the different ecosystems.
Participants will leave this Workshop with an appreciation of the diverse ecosystems that contribute to Summer Lake, an appreciation for how scientific data can be used to enhance artistic expression, and an understanding of how art and science inform each other.
*An Oregon ODFW parking permit is required to access the Summer Lake Wildlife Area; as participants will be carpooling to this location, not everyone needs to purchase a permit. When signing up, please let us know if you have a permit and would be willing to offer your car for carpooling.
Details and Agenda
Instructor: Jerri Bartholomew
Dates: Thursday, May 14 – Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Arrival: Thursday, May 14, 2026 1:00-4:00 PM
Departure: Tuesday, May 19, 2026 11:00 AM
Skill Level: All skill and knowledge levels welcome. All methods used will be taught and practiced as part of the workshop.
Mobility: Most levels of mobility can participate. Participants will carpool to sites of interest in personal vehicles and take short walks. Although we will be collecting samples in the field, hiking will be limited and easy. This will include walking on dirt, gravel, and uneven terrain. While PLAYA is accessible, the sites off campus are not.
Materials List to Bring:
- A sketchbook or journal and writing implements
- Clothing for walking in the landscape and working in a studio
- (Optional) Art supplies to work in the media of your choice, (e.g. photography, painting, writing, sketching)
Materials Provided by Instructor:
- Printmaking materials
- Microscopes
- Collection vials and bags
- Other instruments for collecting data in the field
Agenda
Day 1 // Thursday, May 14, 2026
1:00 – 4:00 PM: Arrival
6:00 PM: Meet and Greet (BYOB and snacks)
Day 2 // Friday, May 15, 2026: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Morning: Introductions and workshop overview, short slideshow; Discussion and demonstration of methods we will use to collect and examine samples; Collect data and samples at field site #1 (immediate vicinity of PLAYA campus)
Afternoon: Demonstration of gel printing techniques; Studio time for examining samples, sketching and printing. Meet to share work and observations.
Day 3 // Saturday, May 16, 2026: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Morning: Travel to field site #2 for a tour of the ODFW wildlife refuge and collection of data and samples.
Afternoon: Studio time for examining samples, and creation of art; Personal time to explore. Meet to share work and observations.
Day 4 // Sunday, May 17, 2026: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Morning: Travel to field site #3, Lake Abert, collect data and samples
Afternoon: Studio time for examining samples, and creation of art; Personal time to explore. Meet to share work and observations.
Day 5 // Monday, May 18, 2026: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Morning: Travel to field site #4, Winter Ridge, or focus on completion of artwork
Afternoon: Completion of artworks, compilation into books
Sharing with class
6:00 PM: Group dinner provided by PLAYA
Day 6 // Tuesday, May 19, 2026
Depart by 11:00 AM
Instructor Bio
Jerri Bartholomew is an emeritus professor of microbiology at Oregon State University. She is also a glass artist who uses ecological and scientific imagery in her own work. Having worked at this interface for over 25 years, she brings a background integrating art and science to the PLAYA science council. Her work at OSU includes initiating a faculty art-sci collaborative group, a student club (Seminarium) and a fellowship (in its fourth year) that has funded over 60 students on a year-long art-science pursuit (PRAx Interdisciplinary Fellowships).
No pets allowed. Thank you.
