| Opening on April 12, Illumination: Seeing Beyond the Shell invites guests to see in a new light |
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| Chambered Nautilus, Nautilus pompilius. Image by Scott Odell. |
| A shell can be many things: a mollusk’s protection against a predator, a piece of jewelry, a makeshift spoon—it can even be a calcium supplement or an alternative to limestone mining to help fight climate change! But what happens when you take a closer look? With the opening of Illumination: Seeing Beyond the Shell on Tuesday, April 12, The Bishopcontinues the celebration of its 75th Anniversary Year of Light with the stunning photography of Scott Odell — who is not only a local photographer but also a member of the Museum’s Staff. This exhibition of macro photography literally takes a closer look at the shells in The Bishop’s permanent collection, showing what happens when you take an object and view it in a completely different way. “I just wanted to show people objects in a different light, and that anything can be viewed another way by just changing the light source, angles and color,” Odell said. |
| “Illumination can be used in both a literal and intellectual context,” said Tiffany LaBritt, Curator of Collections. “This exhibition asks viewers of the art to explore and connect to the images in different ways beyond just seeing a pretty shell.” These images are the fortuitous result of the Museum’s temporary closure during the Covid-19 pandemic. Odell originally began his work with the idea of having an online exhibition where visitors to The Bishop’s website could continue to view items from the permanent collection. | Exhibition Preview ReceptionMembers of The Bishop’s Discovery Society and their guests are invited to join a special reception preview for Illumination: Seeing Beyond the Shell. When/Where: 5:30-7pm Tuesday, April 12, on the second floor of the MuseumCost: Free for members of the Discovery Society and $5 for guests. Light bites provided; beer & wine available for purchaseRegister Now |
| “We have a vast collection at The Bishop to choose from and so the ‘playing with light’ project started,” Odell said. “By using different light sources, I was able to create shadows where I wanted them to be and lighting from behind gave them a totally different look. You might be surprised with the end results!” Illumination: Seeing Beyond the Shell opens on Tuesday, April 12 on the Museum’s second floor. Visiting is included in the price of admission. |
 Atlantic Hairy Triton, Monoplex pilearis. Image by Scott Odell. |  Imperial Volute, Cymbiola imperialis. Image by Scott Odell. |
 The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature201 10th St. WestBradenton, FL 34205www.BishopScience.org |
| As the largest natural history museum on Florida’s Gulf Coast, The Bishop Museum of Science and Nature (formerly South Florida Museum) offers fun and engaging exhibitions and programs that interpret the scientific knowledge of Florida, the world and our universe. In addition to permanent exhibitions, The Bishop features a constantly changing lineup of special exhibitions — offering something new to discover with each visit. The Bishop includes an all-digital Planetarium — the only one of its kind on Florida’s Gulf Coast — the Parker Manatee Rehabilitation Habitat, where we help rehabilitate sick or injured manatees for their return to the wild, and the Mosaic Backyard Universe, built especially for young children and their families. Our Mission: To inspire the joy of discovery and wonder for all ages through excellence in stewardship and engagement. Visit www.BishopScience.org for hours, info and admission details or call 941-746-4131. Adults 18-64: $23.95 | Seniors (65+): $21.95 | Youth (12-17) and College Students (with ID): $17.95 | Children (5-11): $14.95 | Pre-K (2-4): $8.95. Children younger than 2 admitted free with paying adult. Free Admission for members of the Discovery Society | Florida Teachers and Active Duty military (with ID) | Museums for All participants. Thanks to Our Corporate Partners:BMO Harris Bank | Manatee Herald-Tribune | Mosaic | Northern Trust | SRQ Media | WUSF Public Media |
| THE BISHOP MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND NATURE, INC. IS A 501(c)(3) ORGANIZATION — FEDERAL TAX I.D. #59-0598726. A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION (#CH199) AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR AT WWW.FDACS.GOV/CONSUMER-RESOURCES/CHARITIES. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. THIS ORGANIZATION RETAINS 100% OF ALL CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED. |