Screen Shot 2022 10 05 At 2.22.48 Pm — Celebrate E.O Wilson Day with the Mobile Museum of Art—Friday, Oct. 7 1

Famed naturalist and scientist, Edward O. Wilson has left a profound mark on the Alabama community and beyond. To honor his lasting legacy, the Mobile Museum of Art is hosting a special tribute exhibition and program celebrating his work and life. Mark your calendars for Friday, October 7 and read on for all the details.

Who is E.O Wilson?

As a trailblazing naturalist, Edward O. Wilson changed the way that people think of Alabama across the globe. Born in Birmingham and raised in Mobile, Wilson spearheaded efforts to preserve and protect the biodiversity of the earth for decades.

He is acknowledged as the creator of:

Two scientific disciplines (island biogeography and sociobiology)
Three unifying concepts for science and the humanities (biophilia, biodiversity studies, and consilience)
Two major advances in global biodiversity conservation

Before he passed in 2021, he was known as one of the world’s most important and influential scientists. Plus, he was a leading expert in ants.

A special exhibition

After reading Wilson’s compelling reflections of Southern childhood in The Naturalist and Anthill, Duke University professor and photographer Alex Harris approached Wilson to collaborate on a book about Mobile.

Together, Wilson’s lyrical words and Harris’s fascinating images created a beautiful depiction of life in Mobile and its transformation as a city. Their book, titled Why We Are Here: Mobile and the Spirit of a Southern City, was released in 2012, along with an exhibition of the same title at the Mobile Museum of Art.

Now, for the first time since it’s original showing, a selection of Harris’s photographs and Wilson’s evocative quotations are being presented once again at the same museum.

A special program, introduced by Mobile writer and filmmaker Ben Raines, will take place on Friday, October 7 and include a program of speakers and filmed selections. A reception and exhibition opening in the museum gallery will follow.