U of M Bell Museum hosts "The Seduction of Scent" with author, fragrance scientist Avery Gilbert
Contacts: Nina Shepherd, Bell Museum, (612) 624-7389
Mark Cassutt, University News Service, (612) 624-8038
Author and scent scientist Avery Gilbert headlines an exploration of the virtues of scent at “The Seduction of Scent” at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18 at the University of Minnesota Bell Museum of Natural History, 10 Church St. S.E., Minneapolis.
A nationally recognized smell scientist and author of “What the Nose Knows: The Science of Scent in Everyday Life,” Avery has researched scent and fragrances for more than 30 years as a biologist, sensory psychologist and fragrance-industry insider. He’s known for his groundbreaking work on the psychology of odor perceptions and his co-authorship of the 1986 National Geographic Smell Survey, which looked at the effects of age and gender on smell among 1.4 million subscribers. A fragrance developer, Avery has designed commercial scents ranging from best selling perfumes to kitty litter.
Avery will speak on the critical role smell plays in our lives, how the sense of smell is able to tempt and repel us and how it makes us part of the chemical conversation between plants and pollinators, herbivores and predators. Avery will be introduced by University of Minnesota entomologist and nationally recognized bee expert, professor Marla Spivak, who will explain the vital role pollinators play in our love affair with luscious scents. Following the presentation, participants are invited to delight in the luxuries of scent in a reception featuring locally produced wines and desserts.
The event is co-sponsored by Minnesota Monthly magazine. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door; Bell Museum members receive a $10 discount. For tickets and more information, call (612) 624-9050.