Peruvian Tapestry: Capturing Biodiversity Through Student Lenses

About the exhibition

In June 2024, 12 CNU students ventured through the diverse and dynamic country of Peru on a biology and photography interdisciplinary study abroad trip, led by Dr. Michael Meyer and Prof. Kristin Skees. 

The students spent 2 weeks traveling through the coastal desert of Paracas, the jungles of the Amazon, and the Sacred Valley of the Andes. They learned about the traditional and contemporary culture of Cusco and the ancient ruins of the Incan empire, including the legendary site of Machu Picchu. With their cameras in tow, they spotted macaws, monkeys, penguins, tarantulas, flamingos and more in their natural habitats. They trekked the Amazonian jungle canopy and sand boarded over the desert dunes. They traveled by plane, boat, train, bus and dune buggy. 

Through it all, the students captured the people, places, and animals of Peru with the eye of true artists. This exhibition barely scratches the surface of the work created over their two weeks abroad, but aims to show the breadth of creativity, skill and passion of these students. Organized by the Department of Art and Art History, this exhibition offers a glimpse into this adventure of a lifetime.