Natural world shows the way

‘Biomimicry’ exhibition traces design evolution

BY SONYA ELLINGBOE SELLINGBOE@COLORADOCOMMUNITYMEDIA.COM

“Nature’s Blueprint: Biomimicry in Art and Design” is geared to make us really look hard at what we nd around us, with a sensitivity to what design ideas may have followed an initial look by someone out there ...

At the entry we nd a group of bronze forms, including one at the right height and location for a small visitor to touch — a really welcoming way to open an exhibit geared to stretching the visitor’s imagination — no matter what the size and age.

Photos illustrate how trees inspired Gaudi’s sculptured columns in the beautiful Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona and motion-related art inspired by trout and mushrooms, mountain goats, fruit bats, peregrine falcons, owing water and more ...

A robot that climbs trees was in- spired by the motion of an inchworm and another display addresses the question: “Can animals make art?”

A prosthetic arm adapted to mountain climbing is inspired by a bird’s claw.

Here the huge nest of a bower bird is decorated with a collection of blue objects the bird had gathered over time.

And a cockatoo is singing in a highlystyled manner: apping its wings and turning its head just so ... is intriguing exhibit is loaned by the Mid America Arts Alliance, from the Innovation Lab at the High Desert Museum in Bend, Oregon, and will stretch the imagination of visitors of all ages. (Families on cross-country treks may want to include this well-recognized museum in travel plans ...)

One will undoubtedly be more aware of what’s nearby on the next walk — be it around a city block or in the woods — in the foothills or on a mountain trail.

Even very young children can learn to slow down and search for what’s near their feet as they walk, resulting in some peculiar treasures carried home at times ... Hopefully, there’s a small shelf at home where they can exhibit the latest nd. Or in some cases, a special cage may be needed, as well as the correct food for a nd ... We found some great books at the library about what to feed whatever it is ... an essential part of a young naturalist’s library.

From Feb. 17 to May 14, Colorado artist Christopher Warren will exhibit “REinterpreting REcreating Nature,” a body of work that includes sculptures from throughout Warren’s career and his Beatnik Prints, showing his exploration of nature and art via topographic maps ... His exhibit opens with a Feb. 17 talk at 4 p.m. and reception at the museum. See beatnikprints.com for more information.

If You Go

The Littleton Museum, 6028 S. Gallup St., Littleton, is open Tuesday through Sunday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with the last entry at 4:30 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. littletongov. org/museum or 303-795-3950.