North Haven native and painter Eric Hopkins spoke to a gathering of over 70 people on Hurricane Island last month to help launch CONVERGENCE: Art Meets Science, a new initiative that explores how art and science shape perception.

In his remarks, Hopkins reflected on the role of artists in pivotal scientific discoveries and emphasized the need to include the arts as a priority alongside science, technology, engineering and math in the aspirations of today’s students: STEAM instead of STEM.

Carl Little, author of dozens of books on American artists, including his most recent work The Art of Penobscot Bay, discussed how this unique ecosystem of converging waters and islands has inspired hundreds of artists over the years, producing an astounding body of work.

A scientific lens was offered on this unique geography by Hurricane Island’s Research Director, Dr. Anya Hopple, who explained how Hurricane Island sits at a dynamic location for the study of marine life forms from phytoplankton to lobsters, given its position at the confluence of the Eastern and Western Maine coastal currents and its proximity to the outflow of the Penobscot River, which represents the second largest estuary on the east coast. 

In a panel discussion facilitated by Dr. Hopple, Dr. Bob Steneck and marine artist Krisanne Baker reflected on the unique history of Penobscot Bay and its evolving marine ecosystem.

Dr. Steneck, a retired professor of Marine Sciences at the University of Maine, spoke about changes in the Gulf of Maine over the past 5000 years, from the depletion of the cod fishery to the subsequent explosion of the lobster fishery.

Waldoboro Artist Krisanne Baker discussed her work studying kelp and coral reefs, and the art installations she has done at places like Bigelow Labs to advocate for the protection and preservation of marine habitats.

The panel discussion concluded with engaged questions from the audience about the human role in Maine’s changing climate and how both art and science help foster hope and collective action. 

More than 40 artists are participating in CONVERGENCE by creating original artworks inspired by Hurricane Island that will be available for purchase in an online auction.

Artworks will be on display in locations across the midcoast starting in August and available for purchase in an online auction that opens mid-August. The auction will conclude with a ticketed party and benefit event at Pascal Hall in Rockport on September 28.

Artists, sponsors, and patrons of the arts are all invited to attend this event in celebration of Penobscot Bay, the artists who capture its beauty and the work Hurricane Island is doing to understand and respond to its changing ecology through science, education, and sustainability leadership.

More details on CONVERGENCE and the artwork to be sold will be available at hurricaneisland.net. FMI, contact Tara Elliott, Events Manager, telliot@hurricaneisland.net.