Exhibit "Scientists Who Are Artists"

Gaithersburg’s Arts on the Green presents “Scientists Who Are Artists,” an invitational exhibit featuring the work of Craig Cavin, Thomas Germer, Shyam Rele, Robert Strasser, Paul Tooley, and Richard Weiblinger. This exhibit is on display May 7 through June 26, 2021 at the Arts Barn Gallery, 311 Kent Square Road. Viewing hours are by appointment only, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and select Saturdays. Please call 301-258-6394. The exhibit was curated by Mary Weiss-Waldhorn.

Craig Cavin’s large, beautiful representational images of orchids and water lilies, as well as prints of fish created using the Japanese method of Gyotaku, are on display in this exhibit. Craig’s work has been influenced by his career as a biologist. He most recently worked on the “Biological Control of Exotic, Invasive Weeds and Plant Pathogens” at Fort Detrick. Newly retired, he is now immersing himself in his art.

Thomas Germer is a practicing physicist with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). His scientific specialty is studying how light interacts with materials, particularly what one can learn from a material about how it reflects or transmits light as a function of wave length direction or polarization. As a photographer, Thomas also uses light, exploring how lighting, color and perspective affect objects. He enjoys viewing objects from different vantage points and new perspectives. His work is unique, particularly his sculptural pieces – geometric shapes around which he wraps his photographs.

Shyam Rele works in the field of vaccine and drug development. He enjoys creating abstract images as acrylic paintings and plaster reliefs in his spare time. He is an associate member of The Artists Gallery of Frederick (TAG).

Robert Strasser’s interest in science is in environmental biology, particularly dealing with land management, conservation and preservation. He creates wonderful ceramic relief images of biological flora and fauna on wall plaques and three-dimensional shapes. In addition, he also makes and plays hand drums.

Paul Tooley does ethereal, stylized watercolors in which color blends into color with very little linear definition. They are often inspired by his travels and interest in music. Now retired, Paul was an internationally known scientist who had a 34-year career in plant pathology with the Agricultural Research Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA-ARS).

Richard Weiblinger’s scientific collaborative research efforts dealt with light and more specifically focused on laser light tissue interactions with the cornea. Now retired, Richard is a prolific photographer who has shown in many galleries in the Delmarva area. He enjoys exploring a variety of themes through his photography, but the beach and coastal images are the focus in this exhibit.

Please note that most of the included artwork is for sale and all images are copyrighted by the artists. For more information, please call 301-258-6394, e-mail artgalleries@gaithersburgmd.gov, or visit the Arts Barn gallery webpage.