Naturally Talented: A New Program Blending Art and Science at LSU

When Irene Marti Gil joined the LSU Museum of Natural Science (LSUMNS) as Outreach Coordinator in 2024, the very first project she launched was something she knew could change student life on campus: a program that brings together the sciences, the arts, and the humanities.

“From the start, I was astonished by the potential for human congregation, personal growth, and community development that this museum holds,” said Marti Gil, who earned her Ph.D. in Anthropology from LSU in 2023. “I wanted to recover that original partnership between science and the arts and create a more inclusive, creatively engaged experience at LSU.”

The result is the Naturally Talented Program (NTP), a creative platform where students can connect with the natural world not only through research and observation, but also through sketching, poetry, jewelry-making, and other forms of artistic expression.

Though LSU’s Museum is best known for its comprehensive bird collection and one of the largest DNA banks of ancient and modern species in the world, Marti Gil calls it a “hidden jewel.” She points to the Museum’s early history to show that art and science have always been intertwined here.

In the 1950s, for example, biologist and artist Ambrose Daigre hand-painted the backgrounds of the Museum’s dioramas, projecting photographs of real scenes and painting them in meticulous detail. That spirit of blending observation and artistry now lives on in the NTP.

Funded by a $5,000 Campus Collaboration Grant from the LSU Family Council, the Naturally Talented Program supports two years of free programming for students. The grant covers art materials, promotional costs, refreshments for events, and the development of a new exhibition space — the Poet’s Corner.

The program’s name reflects its philosophy. “'Naturally Talented' speaks to both the creativity we all carry within us and the inspiration we draw from the natural world,” Marti Gil explained. By blending art and science, the program provides pathways for students to discover their talents, express themselves, and connect more deeply with nature and one another.

The program has three core components:

• Art After Dark: Bi-monthly evening workshops where students, faculty, and local artists come together to explore creative practices inspired by museum specimens. Themes range from botanical illustration and nature journaling to gyotaku, a 17th-century Japanese technique of printing fish on rice paper, and even applied arts like jewelry-making. Guest collaborators include LSU alum Madeline Ellis, founder of the Louisiana jewelry house Mimosa, and faculty partners from LSU’s printmaking department.
• Poet’s Corner: A public exhibition space in the Hall of Birds showcasing creative writing and artwork inspired by the natural world. This dedicated corner celebrates student and community voices year-round.
• Naturally Talented Award: An annual award recognizing outstanding creative contributions that interpret scientific or environmental themes. Winners receive a certificate, $150 cash prize, and visibility through LSU’s digital platforms and exhibitions. Submissions are judged on originality, relevance, technical quality, and emotional impact by a panel of faculty and students.

The Naturally Talented Program is about more than art. It’s about connection, balance, and belonging.

“ My aha moment came when I realized that connecting with nature isn’t just about learning facts and conducting experiments. The real connection happens when you express, imagine, and create. ”

“My aha moment came when I realized that connecting with nature isn’t just about learning facts and conducting experiments,” said Marti Gil. “The real connection happens when you express, imagine, and create.”

By offering free, accessible programming, the NTP ensures that all students, regardless of major or background, have the chance to explore their creativity. The workshops also serve as a stress reliever, a confidence booster, and a way to build community outside the classroom.

In its first year, the program aims to engage at least 500 participants through workshops, exhibits, and award submissions, with goals to grow that number by 25% annually. Success will be measured in the numbers, but also in the stories students tell about discovering their creative voices in the Museum’s halls.

“Together, art and science spark curiosity, creativity, and deeper connections to the natural world,” Marti Gil said. “By showcasing LSU’s student talent in public spaces, we’re fostering pride, belonging, and a richer campus culture.”

The Naturally Talented Program reflects LSU’s commitment to holistic education by nurturing both intellectual growth and creative expression. As Marti Gil puts it: “This is more than a program. It’s a platform where students can thrive as both professionals and people.”

Now, Irene’s vision will take shape with the launch of the program’s first event, Art After Dark: Botany & Printmaking, on Thursday, October 2 from 5:00–7:00 PM at the LSU Museum of Natural Science in Foster Hall. Guests will explore the world of invasive plants with special presentations from the Shirley C. Tucker Herbarium, watch artist Leslie Koptcho and her students demonstrate innovative papermaking techniques, and then create their own screen-printed poster to take home. The event is free and open to all, with light refreshments provided and on-campus parking available starting at 4:30 PM.

While the Naturally Talented Program is just beginning, its impact promises to last —sparking creativity, connection, and a deeper appreciation of the natural world at LSU.