As part of Discovery Place Science’s Artist Takeover event this past spring, Anne Olson, a medical illustrator, engaged guests in the Explore More Me biomedical labs by sharing her life’s work and passion. As Anne shared her work with hundreds of people that day, one connection in particular was extra meaningful. 

Anne is based in the Charlotte area with over 25 years of experience creating graphics for doctors, researchers, attorneys and many others. She graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology’s Medical Illustration program and worked as a Senior Medical Illustrator for Carolinas HealthCare System for over 16 years. 

Now, she co-owns Blazon Productions, LLC, with her husband, Mark. The Artist Takeover was her first experience working with guests at Discovery Place Science on medical illustration.  

During the event, Anne met Maxine (pictured above), who was very interested in scientific illustration, so they exchanged contact information. Maxine shared Anne’s contact information with a friend of hers, Océane, who lives in Mauritius, an Indian Ocean island off the coast of Africa. 

Océane was also interested in being a scientific illustrator, so she and Anne exchanged a few emails, including some educational opportunities for the field. As a result of their correspondence, Océane ended up being accepted to Anne’s alma mater, the Rochester Institute of Technology in upstate New York, to obtain a BFA in Medical Illustration. 

Océane and Anne have continued to keep in contact, and Océane is currently loving her time at the Rochester Institute of Technology. 

“So, Discovery Place’s Artist Takeover inspired a woman from halfway across the world to pursue her dream of becoming a medical illustrator!” Anne said. “Thanks so much [Discovery Place] for the opportunity to share about medical illustration.  There were definitely some very memorable moments of connection that I will never forget.” 

Discovery Place is proud to have been a part of Océane’s journey to becoming a medical illustrator, and we look forward to the next time we can host Anne at the Museum!