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ǧ����Ƶ and welcomed renowned artist Jan Dilenschneider with a panel discussion on Oct. 16 to kick off the exhibition “Nature, Divine: Preserving Ecology Through Color” a collection of oil paintings depicting earthy vistas, tranquil skyscapes, and subaquatic life that focuses on our environment and what we need to do to protect it. Art Lab is presenting the exhibit at MBL as part of its mission to expand and strengthen the intersection of art and science.

Dilenschneider was joined on the panel by high-school students Miranda Van Mooy and Sadie Leveque, MBL Hibbitt Fellow Duygu Özpolat, and MBL Senior Scientist Roger Hanlon. Their discussion focused on the intersection between science and art and explored the potential of linking the two mediums to engage a broader community.

Panelists discussed how combining art and science can take different forms, including how scientists analyze the unique patterns of camouflage used by cephalopods (octopus, squid, and cuttlefish). Hanlon, a leading cephalopod expert, noted that artists can often see designs and patterns in a different light, offering an alternative perspective.

Van Mooy, a senior at Falmouth High School, and Leveque, a freshman at Falmouth Academy, gave special insight into the perspective of a younger generation, noting that in the time of climate change, reaching a wider audience has never been more important.

“Art is the universal language,” said Van Mooy. “In the absence of text it can be understood globally.”

The collection will be on display in the Meigs Gallery at the Swope Conference Center at MBL through November 16. Admission is free and open to the public.