Exploring The Art and Science of Rafael Lucas Rodríguez Caballero

Tuesday, November 11th, 2025 // Forbes Avenue

This week on WRCT’s Forbes Avenue, we visit the current exhibition at the Hunt Institute for Botanical Documentation, located on the fifth floor of the CMU Hunt Library — a hidden gem on the CMU campus, open to both the CMU community and the general public.

The fall 2025 exhibition features the work of Costa Rican botanist and artist Rafael Lucas Rodríguez Caballero. Senior Curator Carrie Roy and Archivist Nancy Janda spoke with us about “Rafa’s” art; the role of botanical illustration in science; and other fascinating topics and issues in botany, art, and science — did you know there’s an extinct sea snail named after Mick Jagger?

Listening to this episode may inspire you to visit the Hunt Institute’s current exhibition: The Art and Science of Rafael Lucas Rodríguez Caballero. The illustrations of some of the orchids are spectacular. The exhibition is available 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. weekdays (except for November 27 and 28) through December 17.

Listen to the episode: Carrie Roy and Nancy Janda

Kate Smigie, researcher and interviewer
Richard Gordon, recording engineer, audio editor
Recorded: September 30, 2025
WRCT debut: November 11, 2025