Carol Blakney
Carol Blakney received a degree in art education from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and became a teacher, artist, and editor. Her early life was spent in Zimbabwe and New England. She now lives in Muncie, Indiana. She enjoys organizing large projects and is fascinated by the natural world.
She has served the state of Indiana on local and state committees that focus on improving public health and human services. (The Governor's Planning Council for People with Disabilities in 1999; EPA’s White River Watershed Project from 2002-2004; Mayor's South-side Redevelopment Commission in 2003; Muncie Brownfields Committee 2004-05.)
She has been a project manager for interdisciplinary research and programs, including:
The Oxford Guide to Classical Mythology in the Arts, Oxford University Press, 1993. This interdisciplinary encyclopedia traces classical subjects through the history of art, music, and literature. Designed the layout, coordinated the scholars and conducted research in the U.S and abroad from 1984-1987.
BIOMUNCIE 2001-2005. Organized the community outreach for this 5 year environmental education experiment. The project became the basis of a University of Toronto science education thesis by Catherine Kavassalis. When there was still debate about whether the internet would catch on with the public, they co-developed a website that received over 300,000 hits a year from universities, non-profits, and news agencies. In conjunction with posting on-line information, they provided lectures and specific research for environmental groups, businesses, and government agencies on Biodiversity, Children's Health, Population, Sprawl, Pesticides, Pollution, Recycling, Agriculture, and Energy issues. Their work was used in university classes and for non-profit organizers. BIOMUNCIE was quoted in local and national press, international industry newsletters, and in United States Congressional record.
Muncie Public Library: “Art, Music, and Insects” 2010. A science program to promote biodiversity. Created a series of native bees prints, wrote descriptions and built cabinets for an entomology exhibit provided by the Ball State University Biology Department. Worked with the Owsley Museum of Art to highlight insect art in their collection and invited classical musicians to perform insect themed music. The exhibit was then used as part of an environmental program at Minnetrista Cultural Center in Muncie.
Gallery 308 “Conversation about Nature through art and poetry” 2014. A collection of observations, inspirations, and memories of local artists in a collaborative exhibit of prints, ceramics, and poetry, inspired by the local wildlife and environment.
She continues her work as an artist and is now writing and illustrating books about natural systems and social justice.
