Salon: RISD's Nature Lab and the vision of founder Edna W. Lawrence
The Providence Athenaeum's April 6th Salon brought together three panelists to discuss the significance of Edna Lawrence’s vision from their respective disciplines. Entomologist David Wagner discussed the role of color and pattern in nature; Nature Lab Coordinator Betsy Ruppa regaled with stories about the origins of the natural history collection and its value to an art school; and Senior Critic in RISD’s Experimental and Foundation Studies department Alba Corrado shared memories of Edna Lawrence as one of her former students. The salon also served as the opening of the Observing Nature: Edna Lawrence & Cabinets of Curiosities exhibit in the Philbrick Rare Book Room.
