Journey through the underrepresented stories of the marine algae, (seaweed and kelp) flourishing just under the dynamic waves of the Pacific Ocean. 

Josie Iselin exhibits the artwork that inspired the research and writing of her book, The Curious World of Seaweed, and makes us appreciate in awe these dynamic and spectacular organisms of the ocean world or found flung up on a local beach or in the tide pools.

The exhibition begins with five foundational kelp panels and then introduces us to the three color groups that designate the evolutionary lineages of the seaweeds: the greens (from which all our terrestrial, vascular plants evolved), the reds, and the browns (which include the kelp). We will consider the coralline algae, that calcify in their cell walls to protect themselves from the gnawing jaws of small herbivores, and encounter nori, or Pyropia as it is known scientifically. There will be a visual reference to sea urchin, the voracious kelp eaters, whose increased populations are threatening the bull kelp forests of our Northern California Coast. The bull kelp itself will be celebrated as will be the abundance and color and diversity of this algal flora of the oceans in multi-paneled artworks. 

There will be an opening reception on Sunday, May 15 from 1-3 pm.