Science, art and wine collide: Art@BTI to showcase local photography, food system research

The Boyce Thompson Institute (BTI) invites the Ithaca community to Art@BTI, a free event where art, science, and wine will collide.

Art@BTI will take place on Thursday, May 31st from 5:00 to 7:00pm. The event will showcase the Institute’s current art exhibit, Juxtaposition of Light and Texture, while inviting the local community to learn more about the research being conducted at BTI.

Art@BTI will include a complementary wine bar and hors d’oeuvres courtesy of AGAVA, presentations by the exhibit artist and a BTI faculty member, a greenhouse tour, and an art raffle.

The art exhibit on display features the photography of retired Ithaca science teacher and photographer Nancy V. Ridenour. Ridenour has displayed her best floral and architectural prints as part of the exhibit, and will be giving a presentation on her experience as a photographer.

In addition, BTI Associate Professor Dr. Joyce Van Eck will also present on her current research on two specialty fruit crops; the groundcherry and goldenberry.

Groundcherry and goldenberry could serve as a source of untapped economic potential in New York State. The Van Eck Lab’s Physalis Improvement Project is exploring the cultivation of these fruit types across the state and gauging their potential for local food systems.

“This is one of the Institute’s only public events held annually,” said Marissa Zuckerman, BTI Communications Associate and event organizer.

“As a small research non-profit, we’re eager to invite the community through our doors to learn more about who we are and how our research benefits both our local community and those abroad.” 

Art@BTI is free and open to the public. The reception is presented with support from Cayuga Landscape and AGAVA.  Interested attendees are encouraged pre-register online or call (607) 288-3554. A full schedule can be found at www.BTIscience.org/art.

Individuals that require accommodations to participate in this event are encouraged to contact Marissa Zuckerman at mz457@cornell.edu as soon as possible..