Seeing Versus Observing: Exploring Art and Science in the Liquid Light of Florida’s Springs

Florida’s extensive network of freshwater springs will serve as a conduit between art and science as the University of Florida’s York Distinguished Lecturer Series returns Sept. 3 to the Harn Museum of Art.

The series, now in its 41^st year, is presented by the UF Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). For the second consecutive year, the lecture will feature two speakers: Matt Cohen, director of the UF Water Institute and a UF/IFAS professor of forest water resources and watershed systems; and Margaret Ross Tolbert, a celebrated, Gainesville-based artist who specializes in large-format, abstract paintings depicting spring scenes. At 2 p.m. Cohen and Tolbert will co-present their keynote address, “Seeing Versus Observing: Exploring Art and Science in the Liquid Light of Florida’s Springs.” A reception will follow at 3 p.m. Attendance is free and open to the public.

Cohen and Tolbert’s remarks will demonstrate the role art and science can play in telling the story of one of Florida’s most captivating natural wonders, said Scott Angle, UF senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader of UF/IFAS.

“The beauty of Florida’s springs inspires artists like Tolbert, while their ecological importance attracts the research focus of scientists such as Cohen,” he said.

The lecture will officially kick off a competition between student teams across the UF College of the Arts (COTA) and the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences (CALS). Teams with participants representing each college are eligible to win thousands of dollars in prize money to create projects that showcase the marriage of art and science. Last year, COTA student Rosemary Springer and CALS students Jason Dossett, Madison Dyment and Cassandra Goff teamed up to produce “In the Fields,” a project that told the stories of small family farms by wrapping alfalfa hay bales in narratives and images.

Students are encouraged to mingle during the lecture reception to connect with potential teammates and to brainstorm ideas. Information about additional opportunities is available at ifas.ufl.edu/york. They will have until Jan. 15 to submit their project proposals.

Projects should feature art and science elements that can stand alone but which also complement each other when presented together, said Dina Liebowitz, UF/IFAS Plant Science Program director.

Liebowitz is organizing the competition with Elizabeth Ross, director of COTA’s School of Art + Art History.

“We are delighted to continue our partnership with UF/IFAS and by this opportunity to showcase the remarkable results when artists and scientists work together,” Ross said. “This competition encourages art and design students to engage more deeply with scientific topics and methods, while agriculture and life science students explore new ways to visualize their ideas and energize the public.”

Ross thanked UF/IFAS for including Tolbert, an alumna of the UF School of Art + Art History, in the series.

“She inspires admiration and understanding of our Florida landscape through her art,” Ross said.

Launched in 1984, the York Distinguished Lecturer Series is supported by an endowment from UF/IFAS founder E.T. York and his wife Vermelle “Vam” York. The series brings individuals of outstanding international distinction in agriculture or related disciplines to UF’s campus.

Additional information about the series is available at ifas.ufl.edu/york, and registration to attend the September 3 event can be found here: tinyurl.com/York-Fall-2025. For more information about the contest, contact Dina Liebowitz at dinalieb@ufl.edu.