Dear neighbors, Ever wonder what kind of microscopic creatures live in Lake Carnegie, the pond by the swimming pool in Highland Park? Come see your tiny neighbors in video, still photographs, and large oil paintings this Saturday, October 15 from 7 - 10 pm at the Brew House Gallery 101 on the South Side. I've been taking pictures of the microscopic animals that live in the pond, along with those in other ponds and rivers around town, with a simple microscope made from a cheap webcam. I'd love to have my human-sized neighbors join me and my friend, painter Daniel Maidman, at the opening reception for small neighbors / Microbiota<http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=126204544147036>. The Brew House is a gallery and artists' studio space located at 21st and Mary, just off Carson Street. Small neighbors/Microbiota will remain at the gallery until November 5. I will also be offering a free hands-on workshop for all ages on Saturday, October 22 from 2-4 pm. I'll show you how I made the microscope, and tell you more about the tiny plants and animals that live in the water around us. If you can't come to the opening or the workshop, please email me for additional times when the gallery will be open. More information is available at www.philodina.com. Please come! Erika Johnson soft cyclops 2 (digital microphotograph of a copepod by erika johnson) Microbiota #1 (oil painting of baby snails by Daniel Maidman)