Campus & Beyond Flower Power: In Olin Library, a Study Space with Botanical Flair Stories You May Like Between Two Slices of Bread, an Enduring Big Red Bond David Hackney ’87 Traces His Career in Public Service Back to Lessons Learned on the Hill In a Brutally Honest Memoir, Alum Recalls Addiction and Imprisonment Reading room showcases art by a Cornell staffer—and honors late Board of Trustees chair Peter Meinig ’61, BME ’62 By Joe Wilensky In a study room on the third floor of Olin Library, a purplish flowering clematis vine appears to snake up one wall, while oversized tiger lilies and columbines blossom on another. In one corner, behind a comfy chair, tubular reddish-orange “falling star” crocosmia blooms add a vibrant splash of color. The dramatic paintings, derived from works by a local botanical illustrator and former library staffer, were installed during the recent renovation of the room, 305 Olin. Already a popular study spot—boasting large windows with picturesque views of Uris Library and the Arts Quad—it’s now even more of a draw. During Reunion 2022, the space was dedicated as the Peter C. Meinig 1961 Memorial Reading Room, in honor of the former Board of Trustees chairman who died in 2017. Fundraising to support the renovation was led by two of Meinig’s classmates, Dick Tatlow ’61, BCE ’62 (who himself passed away in September 2022), and Marshall Frank ’61, BChemE ’62. Stories You May Like Between Two Slices of Bread, an Enduring Big Red Bond David Hackney ’87 Traces His Career in Public Service Back to Lessons Learned on the Hill In addition to new seating and desks accommodating about 20 people, the room now features oversized reproductions of 16 watercolors by milly acharya, who lived and worked in Ithaca as an illustrator, educator, and writer for 30 years, including seven as a cataloguer in Olin. The artist who created the original watercolors spent seven years as a cataloguer in Olin. Acharya (who didn’t capitalize her name) died in 2019; her many honors include a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Society of Botanical Artists. Since the original watercolors reproduced in Olin only measured about 16 inches high, they had to be photographed, enlarged onto massive decals, and mounted on the walls. Carla DeMello, a visual communications specialist for the University Library, spearheaded that process—aiming, she says, “to give the effect of being in a giant garden.” Depicting plants and flowers—from thistle and pomegranate to chili peppers, ornamental grasses, even a sprouting garlic plant—they stretch floor to ceiling on various walls, and brighten the columns between windows. “Milly’s illustrations are exquisitely detailed,” DeMello observes. “Working with them gave me a rare opportunity to become intimately immersed in her technique and skill.” All photos by Jason Koski/Cornell University. Published October 7, 2022 Comments Allison Hopkins Sheffield, Class of 1956 14 Oct, 2022 Impressively beautiful…hope I am able to see these walls in person some day! Reply Karen Parfitt 6 Nov, 2022 Why isn’t millie acharya’s name in the first paragraph? Why do we need to read several paragraphs into the article to find out who produced these beautiful paintings? And why is Peter Meinig mentioned just below the title, and in the article before the artist is mentioned? Reply Alex Fairfield, Class of 1985 18 Jan, 2023 Could the decals be reproduced and made for sale? I would LOVE to have a few of these on the walls of my home. Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Campus & Beyond Protecting All Creatures, Great and Small—Around the Globe Alumni Alum Memorialized with Campaign to Promote His Made-Up Word Ask the Expert The Pain of Family Estrangement