This panel discussion explores the evolution of colors in design, the role of color in the natural world, and the inspiration designers have long drawn from nature.

Speakers

Headshot of Jennifer Cohlman Bracchi, Acting Head of Cooper Hewitt Library.Jennifer Cohlman Bracchi is the Acting Head Librarian of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Library, one of 21 branches of Smithsonian Libraries, and a leading repository of European and American design and decorative arts in the nation and the world. With twenty years of experience at Cooper Hewitt, Jen has a background in digital imaging and has lead numerous digital initiatives for the Museum and the Library. She curated her first exhibition Color in a New Light (February 2016 – May 2017) for Smithsonian Libraries at the National Museum of Natural History in Washington DC. She co-curated the expanded exhibition Saturated: The Allure and Science of Color (May 2018 – March 2019) for Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum with Susan Brown, Curator of Textiles. She enjoys exploring the intersections of art and science and providing access to as much information as possible.

 

Headshot of Laurie Pressman, Vice President of the Pantone Color Institute.

Laurie Pressman is the vice president of the Pantone Color Institute, the world’s most comprehensive destination to gain intelligence, insight and implications on the science and emotions of color. With over 20 years of experience in product development and merchandising for the fashion and home furnishings markets, Pressman recognizes that color is the most powerful communication tool, and as an intrinsic part of people’s immediate visual experience, it plays a significant role in consumer purchasing decisions and effective brand management. She is involved in the development of Pantone’s color research and color trend forecasting products and serves as the managing editor of TONES, Pantone’s color newsletter. Additionally, she sits on the Home Products Board at Fashion Institute of Technology, the Fashion Advisory Board at Savannah College of Art and Design and is the vice chairman of the color standards committee for the Color Marketing Group.