On Thursday, October 14th, 2004, the students in my Drawing and Painting I classes, Mr. Holmquist's Design and Illustration class, and Mrs. Saxton-West's Anatomy class had the unique opportunity to attend an interdisciplinary workshop within the walls of NHS on the topic of medical illustration. Jaye Schlesinger, a freelance medical/biological illustrator and professor at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, came to Northfield High School from the Anderson Center in Red Wing to share information about her career and the work that she has done. Jaye's presentation was well received by everyone and many of the students were struck by how artistic and expressive medical illustrations can be. After the presentation by Ms. Schlesinger, the 130 students were divided in three groups so that they would be able to create their own medical illustrations. The students had access to microscopes to view slides, medical illustrations from biology journals, and to make the event even more authentic, the students were able to look at and dissect eye balls, kidneys, hearts, brains and sections of intestines. The experience was wonderful for me to witness as a teacher! The scientists discovered their inner artist and realized how important it is to be able to visually represent information and the artists began to understand how much scientific planning and logic needs to go into their artwork. The learning I saw was authentic and inspiring. Thank you to our principal Bruce Santerre for supporting this event and to the Anderson Center for sending us such an inspirational artist! Below, you will find a picture of Jaye Schlesinger giving the presentation as well as examples of professional medical illustrations, students working on their own medical illustrations and finished student pieces.