 "Photo: Sara Manco")
Visitors may be surprised to find these insects are not actually real, they are pieces of origami.
The Beach Museum of Art is hosting an exhibit along with the K-State Insect Zoo, titled “Robert J. Lang: Insect Origami.” The exhibit, which began Aug. 24 and will run through Dec. 24., features a series of insects that are found all around the world. The display is the artistic work of Robert J. Lang, a well-known origami artist.
According to a museum media release, other than practicing the art of origami since the age of six, Lang was formally trained as an electrical engineer and as a physicist. Along with Lang’s exhibit, which features over 20 pieces of insect-inspired origami, he continues to create pieces known for their complexity, detail and realism.
“We were approached by staff from the insect zoo, who had interest in Robert Lang’s work, and this led to our senior educator working with them to put together education programs so that students could come and learn more about insects,” said Martha Scott, business and marketing manager of the museum.
Along with the exhibition, students in kindergarten through second grade will be able to visit the museum, K-State’s Insect Zoo and Manhattan’s Sunset Zoo at no cost, thanks to an Arts-in-Education grant the museum received from the Kansas Arts Commission early this summer.
“Here the students will learn how, throughout time, insects have been used in art and scientific drawings,” said Kathrine Schlageck, senior educator for the museum.
Schlageck said they will focus on the artistic and cultural aspect of how insects have been used in art as well.
“Each child who visits will get the chance to create their own origami cicada,” said Schlageck.
“For visitors we also have a few books available for anyone to look at about insects and origami if interested,” said Scott.
The exhibit will hold an open house on Family Day, Sept. 26, from 10 to 12 a.m.
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