Rebecca Grichnik 

University of Wisconsin – Stevens-Point

In Collaboration with Titus Seilheimer, Fisheries Specialist with Wisconsin Sea Grant and Karen J. Murchie, Ph.D., Director Of Freshwater Research Conservation Research Department with the John G. Shedd Aquarium

Snubbed Sucker Fish

22” x 18”

Colored Pencil, Alcohol Ink Markers, & Acrylic Paint

This art piece was inspired by the research of Titus and Karen and aims to (literally) shine a light on one of the water’s ecosystem underdogs, the white sucker fish. The walleye is one of the most sought after fish by anglers and thus it receives a lot of attention for research. On the other hand, the white sucker fish often gets a negative connotation, despite its vital role as both a prey species and keeping the water clean. Thus, I wanted this art piece to show that while the walleye is often the focal trophy fish that catches people’s eyes, the sucker fish in the background is serving an important role too, highlighted by the spotlight. As an artist and wildlife ecology student, I aim to create art pieces that have people think about the deeper workings of the ecosystem beyond the surface.