Picturing the Atmosphere: Photography, Art, and Science (Cancelled)

NOTE: The Crocker Art Museum is temporarily closed to the public, and all programs, tours, classes, and events through April 30 have been postponed or cancelled. This is a proactive measure to preserve the health and well-being of their visitors and staff and to support the city of Sacramento’s ongoing efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Since its invention in 1839, photography has been an essential tool for probing and documenting Earth’s atmosphere. Photographic imagery has evolved from simple, ground-based documentation of local weather phenomena in the 19th-century, to the global depiction of circulations using space-based platforms today. In this interactive class, you will learn how scientists have used photography for more than 180 years to reveal the hidden worlds of snow crystals, raindrops, clouds, lightning, storms, and climate change. Through a Q&A and small group discussions, photographs will be discussed in light of their ability to unite art and science.

Instructor Terry Nathan is a professor in the Art/Science Fusion Program at the University of California, Davis, where he also teaches Photography: Bridging Art and Science. He also teaches landscape photography workshops in California and Texas, and frequently serves as a juror and judge for art exhibitions. He has spoken on the art, history, science, and practice of photography at several national symposia.

This event takes place during Photography Month Sacramento.