New program aims to draw interest to nature through art

This week the Missouri Department of Conservation in Cape Girardeau County will inaugurate a new program it hopes will spur greater interest in nature through art.

On Thursday the Conservation Campus will hold its first Conservation Cafe, in which local artists who use nature as a subject will talk with the public about their art and the importance of nature.

The nature center has already played host to exhibitions of art with nature as the subject.

"The cafe is kind of an extension of the art on display," said April Dozier, manager of the conservation department nature center. "This program gives us an opportunity to take a look at that artist up close and talk to the artists about their views on conservation."

This month the nature center presents an exhibition of flower photography by Cape Girardeau photographer and gardener Tom Neumeyer. He calls his works "flower portraits," since he arranges lighting to bring out the best in the subject, instead of just snapping a picture. He'll be the first subject of Conservation Cafe.

"They're serving guinea pig at the cafe with some drinks," joked Neumeyer about being the event's first subject. Neumeyer is serious about photography, though, especially when it comes to his favorite subject -- the natural world.

"If it sparks interest in just one person, if not more, that's the benefit," Neumeyer said. "If we can kindle that flame in someone, get them outside and take camera with them, they'll be learning importance of nature."

The word "cafe" in the title is used for a reason. The nature center will reserve a classroom for the program and create a coffee house atmosphere, with coffee, biscotti and cookies. A host will talk to Neumeyer informally about his work and about nature.

Kelly Hughes, an artist from Jackson and a nature center volunteer, has been chosen as host for the event.

"I'd like to get some more personal questions -- ask him what inspires his art, what works he's most proud of, what fascinates him about that subject matter, how it relates to conservation," said Hughes.

Hughes knows from experience what an important source of inspiration the natural world is for artists.

Neumeyer hopes that those who attend the event will have some questions of their own for him so he can respond with the information they're interested in, instead of just lecturing.

After the discussion attendees will have a chance to view Neumeyer's work and have one-on-one conversations with the photographer.

The nature center hopes to continue the Conservation Cafe in June with an exhibition of American Indian artifacts donated by Paul Corbin.

If all goes well, the nature center hopes to make Conservation Cafe a monthly event.

Reservations are required by calling 290-5218.

msanders@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 182