The world of birds is full of diverse feather colors that combine to form amazing plumage patterns. How and why do birds achieve these decorative feats? Beginning with a microscopic look at feathers and expanding out to a broad perspective of patterns across bird families, Harvard University evolutionary biologist Allison Shultz will use feather and bird specimens from the University's collections to explore how and why this diversity of forms arose. Artist Erica Beade will show participants how to capture the nuance of avian color and form in their drawings.