The research and conservation work going on at the BRIT have become an important part of my own efforts to promote conservation. During 2017 I logged a good number of volunteer hours on a project to make BRIT’s physical records available to the world via the Internet.

We’re only three months into the new year, and in addition to continuing on the archive project above, I participated in two activities at the BRIT. 

First, I was thrilled when the BRIT featured “the Hess team” (my wife Trudy and I) as the member spotlight in their January newsletter.

Next, I attended a class in Botanical Watercolor Painting. This was very enjoyable, not the least of which was the chance to meet fellow artists and botany enthusiasts. There is always more to learn about composition, use of color, and other skills an artist needs. Afterwards we got a guided tour of the BRIT facility. See slide show below.

The BRIT periodically features the work of a local artist, and I was very honored to be chosen this time. Eighteen of my paintings were displayed in the Visitor Welcome Center for two months. During that time, I got to participate in Gallery Night, where visitors browsed a number of art galleries in the area. At this event I had a table at which I had a conservation display showing the Smithsonian’s conservation project in Palau, as well as NAOCC’s “orchid-gami” project.