The Language of Water: Art, Ecology, and Engineering
The Wetlands Initiative in partnership with Lindsay Olson
- Time of Year
- May 17, 2025 – September 7, 2025
- Location
- Level 1
Featuring Lindsay Olson, the first artist in residence for the Wetlands Initiative, The Language of Water: Art, Ecology, and Engineering explores the profound connections between art, ecology, and the intricate engineering systems that govern our wetlands and waterways.
This exhibition is born from the belief that water is not just a resource, but a language in itself—one that speaks of connection, responsibility, and hope. By integrating scientific research with artistic expression, Olson's aim is to provoke reflection and ignite action on the critical environmental challenges we face. Through this dialogue between science and creativity, she hopes to inspire new perspectives on how we engage with the natural world.
Access to this exhibit is included with Museum admission.
A Closer Look
Lindsay Olson is an artist and educator whose work explores the intersection of science, technology, and society. She taught in the Fashion Studies Department at Columbia College Chicago for over 20 years and is currently the first artist in residence with The Wetlands Initiative. When not in the studio or visiting research labs, she enjoys canoeing on Chicago’s waterways with her husband.
Her artistic practice is driven by a deep curiosity about the systems that support and shape our world. She has collaborated with leading scientific institutions, serving as the first artist in residence at Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory and working with the CMS experiment at CERN in Switzerland, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), the Field Museum, and the University of New Hampshire’s Center for Acoustics Research and Education.
Lindsay Olson's work has been exhibited at the Schingoethe Museum, The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, Zhou Brothers Art Gallery, the Field Museum, and the University of New Hampshire. She was also invited to participate in the Smithsonian’s World Ocean Day. Her projects have been featured in Scientific American, Physics Teacher, Surface Design Journal, and Textile Artist.
Explore some of the featured pieces below.
Calumet Region I 22.5" w x 24.5" w x 2" d Cotton thread, cotton collage on cotton ground
© Lindsay Olson
Calumet Region III 22.5" w 24.5" l x 2" d Cotton thread, collage on cotton ground
© Lindsay Olson
Calumet Region II 22.5" w 24.5" l x 2" d Cotton thread, collage on cotton ground
© Lindsay Olson
Lindsay Olson
Artist and Educator
https://www.lindsayolsonart.co...
The Wetlands Initiative
The Wetlands Initiative designs, restores, and creates wetlands. They innovate, collaborate, and employ sound science to improve water quality, habitat for plants and wildlife, and our climate.
https://www.wetlands-initiativ...