How a Traveling Exhibition on Wasps Altered Public Perceptions

Media portrays a caricature of the “evil” wasp (a flying insect), perpetuating fears developed at a young age or from individual negative experiences. Because wasps are critically important to nature and our agriculture, it is important to provide some form of education to lessen this fear. A traveling exhibit titled “Wasps of Utah” was created to test whether a small, passive exhibition with art, information, and specimens could positively alter people's perspectives on wasps. Qualitative research was conducted at the exhibitions through observations and voluntary survey participation. With 57% of nature center visitors interacting with the exhibit, there was a significant decline in dislike for wasps coupled with high respect for wasps' place in our environment. Not only were exhibit visitor participation influential in perception of wasps, but also perceptions changed for those who were involved with the creation of the exhibit. This, along with the effects of exhibit layout and the addition of crafting activities, should be investigated to understand visitor interactions with exhibits covering broad topics. This project is an example of the power of small educational and artistic experiences to promote positive change in relation to a broadly misunderstood organism.