February 11 marks the International Day of Women and Girls in Science. To celebrate this, the Homer Council on the Arts (HCOA) and Pier One Theatre are joining forces to create a gallery exhibit and present two captivating plays.
HCOA is inviting artists of all ages to submit their artworks based on the theme of “Women in Science.” This open call encourages artists to think about the impact women have had in scientific fields, both historically and in modern research.
Jenna Gerrety, HCOA’s marketing coordinator, shares, “We want artists to interpret ‘Women in Science’ in their own way. They might consider women in science they admire or think about their hopes for the future of women in these fields.” The art can reflect personal experiences or highlight significant women in science.
Pier One Theatre will feature two plays, “Silent Sky” and “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” both written by Lauren Gunderson. Val Sheppard, the Office Assistant, will direct “Silent Sky,” while Executive Director Jennifer Norton will direct “The Half-Life of Marie Curie.”
Sheppard notes, “We celebrate diversity at Pier One, and supporting women in science is a big part of that.”
“Silent Sky” tells the story of Henrietta Leavitt, an astronomer at Harvard from 1902 until her death in 1921. Despite facing restrictions, Leavitt made astronomical discoveries that expanded our understanding of the universe.
Meanwhile, “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” explores the life of Marie Curie, who was a pioneer in radioactivity. Curie faced challenges in her career due to public scrutiny but continued her research and earned a second Nobel Prize.
Sheppard hopes these performances will shine a light on the many successes women have achieved in science and technology.
HCOA collaborates with different nonprofit and art organizations each year. Gerrety is excited about this new venture. “This gallery will highlight incredible women in science and share their stories with our community,” she says. “Art plays an essential role in connecting us and helping us understand each other better.”
Gerrety emphasizes the importance of representation. “When people see scientists who look like them, it builds trust in the research and the scientists. Women in science deserve recognition for their work.”
Among the artworks exhibited will be “An Awareness” by Aadya Gray, inspired by Rachel Carson’s influential book, “Silent Spring.” This piece uses clay and epoxy resin to capture the beauty of nature while addressing environmental issues.
Gerrety is also working on a piece titled “Quench.” “I’m creating this in honor of Dr. Becky Smethurst, an astrophysicist who makes complex space concepts accessible on her YouTube channel,” she explains.
Sheppard is eager to introduce audiences to Henrietta Leavitt, whose contributions to science often go unrecognized. “I want people to appreciate her significance,” she shares.
The HCOA “Women in Science” exhibit opens on First Friday, February 7, and will run through March 3. Pier One’s plays will be performed at HCOA, with “Silent Sky” on February 14 and 15, and “The Half-Life of Marie Curie” on February 28 and March 1.
Artists can submit up to six pieces, with all work due by 5 p.m. on February 1. For more details about the exhibit and performances, you can reach out to HCOA.
Check out this related article: Celebrating Excellence: Duke’s Ingrid Daubechies Honored with National Medal of Science
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