Explore art, photography, sustainability and native flora and fauna at “Nature’s Canvas: Exploring Native Species Through Art and Service.”
This event, held on the first floor of Carlson Library on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 5 to 7 p.m., brings together the unveiling of the new first-floor mural with the opening South Gallery photography exhibit of native bird species and education and service by Greening UToledo Through Service (GUTS).
Toledo-based artist and 2025 UToledo alumnus Liam Ginter works on a new native plant mural inside Carlson Library. Ginter will share his inspiration, process and more for the mural’s opening event from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 17.
Toledo-based artist and UToledo alum Liam Ginter will share his inspiration, process and more for the native plant mural. Art is intertwined with science through inspiration from vintage scientific botanical illustrations of flowering plants native to Lucas County on a background of an oak savanna biome. The plants are the focus of this piece, drawing attention to the beauty and the significance of the ecological features of Northwest Ohio.
Participants are invited to get their hands dirty by helping GUTS refresh the garden area outside of Carlson Library. The goal of GUTS is to improve conservation, biodiversity and sustainability. Run by students, GUTS has installed various gardens across campus including the Flatlands watering hole, the Center for Performing Arts rain garden and the Carlson Library prairie garden. Their projects are funded by the Student Green Fund.
Toledo-based avian wildlife photographer Brian Zwiebel will also be discussing his exhibit showcasing his photography of native bird species. Zwiebel has photographed hundreds of bird species throughout North America. He has had several of his works published and displayed in the National Center for Nature Photography, the magazine Birding World and the Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, as well as many others. Zwiebel has also given tours and workshops around the country.
Zwiebel’s exhibit will be located in the South Gallery of Carlson Library.
The event is open to all. Light refreshments will be provided.
