BATON ROUGE, LA.- The Louisiana Art & Science Museum, in collaboration with Louisiana Tech University’s Visual Integration of Science Through Art (VISTA) Center, has opened its newest exhibition, Illustrating Health, in the museum’s Second Floor Main Gallery that will be on display through August 2023.

Illustrating Health, which embraces LASM’s mission to enhance general audiences’ understanding and appreciation for art and science, delves into the often-overlooked work of medical illustrators. Medical illustrations provide insight into anatomical and physiological characteristics that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to see. Illustrations help launch new scientific discoveries and advance further knowledge about syndromes, diseases, viruses, and general health.

This was the first LASM exhibition installation for LASM Interim Curator Tracey Barhorst, who joined the museum team after fifteen years of teaching at St. Aloysius Catholic School. “The Louisiana Tech VISTA Center’s program was a perfect match for LASM’s interdisciplinary mission,” states Barhorst. “VISTA students are encouraged to combine their love of art and science to encourage discovery, inspire creativity, and foster the pursuit of knowledge.”

In a partnership with VISTA Center at Louisiana Tech University, LASM has mounted an exhibition that explores the visual representations of diseases, everyday occurrences, and lifesaving research that affects the medical health of the members of our community.

LASM Interim Assistant Curator and Louisiana Tech Alumna Beth Welch worked alongside her Alma Mater for this exhibition. “This exhibition educates the viewer on the history of medical illustrations, empowers patients, and inspires scientists and artists to work together to create better understanding of the world in which they live,” states Welch.

Louisiana Tech Professor of Art and VISTA Center Co-Director Professor Nick Bustamante, along with his Co-Director Dr. Jamie Newman, plan for programming and engagement opportunities accompanying this exhibition throughout the upcoming year. “Working with the LASM team of professionals has been fantastic in making Illustrating Health a first-class museum exhibition,” stated Bustamante. “Louisiana Tech's VISTA Center is thankful for the opportunity to showcase undergraduate scientific illustrations and underline visuals' role in health communication.”

LASM’s annual exhibition program, including the presentation of Illustrating Health, is generously sponsored by Entergy. Illustrating Health is also generously supported by Louisiana Tech University, Justin & Jeanette Hinckley, Kean Miller, and the Baton Rouge Clinic.