Author: Josie Iselin - Art & Algae | San Francisco Public Library

Thursday, 11/5/2026
12:00 - 1:00

Suitable for:

Adults
All Ages

Artist, author and designer Josie Iselin shares the creative journey behind her work exploring seaweed and kelp forests. Drawing from art, science, history and close observation of the natural world, she will discuss how her fascination with marine algae developed into books and projects that reveal the beauty, complexity and ecological importance of these underwater ecosystems.

Josie Iselin is a photographer, author and designer whose recent work explores seaweed, kelp and coastal ecosystems. Her newest book, The Mysterious World of the Bull Kelp Forest (Heyday Books, 2026), features illustrations by Ellen Litwiller and builds on her earlier books, The Curious World of Seaweed and An Ocean Garden: The Secret Life of Seaweed. Her work brings together art, design, science and environmental history.

Iselin is co-director of Above/Below, a campaign that raises awareness of underwater kelp forests. She serves as the primary writer and content creator for its educational web-based books, including The Mysterious World of Bull Kelp and The Alluring World of Olympia Oysters. She has also created exhibitions and installations that bring seaweed imagery and marine science into gallery spaces.

Iselin holds a BA in Visual and Environmental Studies from Harvard University and an MFA from San Francisco State University, where she taught in the School of Design. She uses a flatbed scanner and digital tools to create imagery inspired by the ecology of the California coast.

Connect:

Josie Iselin - Website | Josie Iselin - Instagram

Environment & Nature

Find out about the latest climate and environmental issues, how to adopt greener practices and how to connect with the outdoors.

Art, Architecture & Photography

Learn from world-class designers, artists and experts in their fields.

Science

Gain a new perspective on and understanding of the world through programs on the sciences.

Spotlight

This program is sponsored by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library.

Attending Programs

All programs are drop-in (no registration necessary) unless otherwise noted. All SFPL locations are wheelchair accessible. For accommodations (such as ASL), call (415) 557-4557 or contact accessibility@sfpl.org. Requesting at least 3 business days in advance will help ensure availability.

This program will be conducted in English unless otherwise noted.

Notice: This event may be filmed or photographed. By participating in this event, you consent to have your likeness used for the Library’s archival purposes and promotional materials. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform a staff person or the photographer. A sticker will be provided to help identify you so that we can avoid capturing your image.

Public Notice and Disclaimer

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The views and opinions expressed in programs presented by groups unaffiliated with SFPL do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of SFPL or the City.