One might wonder at the connection between art and genetics, but it's actually quite simple. "In the lab, I see tissue culture and cells growing on a mono-layered dish. They have interesting borders and connected patterns in them," says Hunter O'Reilly (now known as Hunter Cole), a Madison artist and a graduate student in UW-Madison's genetics program. From these observations, she's inspired to create abstract oil paintings, watercolors and drawings. O'Reilly's solo exhibition entitled "Cellular and Facial Forms" runs Nov. 9-Jan. 3 at the Sunroom Cafe and Gallery, 638 State St., (608) 255-1555.

© 1998 Madison Magazine