UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Mona Lisa they're not. But if, as the saying goes, art imitates life, then it's only fitting that the most abundant creatures on Earth -- insects -- should be the subject of paintings, sculptures and other works of art.

Visitors at Penn State's Great Insect Fair can see artists at work, their finished pieces and the insects that inspired them. Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences' entomology department, the fair takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 5, in and around the Agricultural Sciences and Industries (ASI) Building, near the corner of Curtin and Shortlidge Roads on the University Park campus.

"Entomologists long have been fascinated with the form and function of insects," says Maryann Frazier, entomology extension associate and Insect Fair planner. "By featuring insects in art, we hope people will see the beauty and sophistication of these often-maligned creatures."

Organizers say fun and interactive events are being planned to appeal to visitors of all ages:

• Bugs are Beautiful. See artists in action, including Stephanie Daugherty, who rears silk moth larvae, gathers and spins their silk and weaves garments. Demonstrations also will feature scientific illustration of insects and T-shirt painting. Kids can buy a T-shirt and decorate it themselves. Internationally known insect-art collector Faith Kuehn will talk at 3 p.m. in 101 ASI Building.

Immediately after the fair, a reception will be held in Penn State's HUB Gallery, which is hosting an insect art exhibition featuring metal, fiber, jewelry and other media.

Aspiring artists can enter one of two contests at the Great Insect Fair. Young artists can enter an insect drawing competition. On the morning of the event, photographers can bring their best 8-inch by 10-inch insect images (matted and framed) to be judged by a panel of professionals.

• Under the Bug Top. At the Insect Olympics, visitors will compare their physical prowess to that of bugs. Events will include dungball roller derby, cockroach races, a jumping jamboree and the "squirm the worm" tunnel.

Other "Bug Top" attractions and displays will include Insect Water World; Mysterious Miss Quito: The Life of a Mosquito and West Nile Virus; Bug vs. Bug, highlighting how predators and parasites can keep pests in check; Insect Peep Show; and Invasive Species, where you can learn to identify insect invaders.

• Insect Deli. The adventurous -- and the hungry -- can sample insect delicacies, such as gourmet roll-ups and chocolate "chirpies." "Insects are a little-known but much-appreciated source of food in many developing countries," says Dorothy Blair, assistant professor of nutrition in the College of Health and Human Development, who coordinates the deli with help from students in her Global Food Strategies course.

• Museum Tours. See the incredible diversity of insects in the Frost Entomological Museum.

• Lady Bug Theatre. Insect poetry readings by students from State College Area School District's Delta Program, as well as puppet shows, will be held in 101 ASI Building.

• Musical entertainment. Hear Carole Backman and the Caterpillars of Society. Local musician Andy Tolins of AAA Blues Band will make a special appearance.

• Cockroaches From Around the World. Live "death's head" roaches, giant Madagascar hissing cockroaches and other exotic species will be on display.

• Children's activities. Kids can enjoy face painting, balloons and games such as "Bug Wheel of Fortune."

• Insect vendors. Shop for insect jewelry and other gifts, as well as insect collecting supplies, such as pins, nets and pinning boxes.

• Insect collections and collectors. View dozens of interesting specimens and learn how to start a collection of your own.

Admission to the Great Insect Fair is free, although donations will be accepted to help defray costs. Free parking is available in the Orange A lot at the corner of Curtin and Bigler roads. For more information, call the entomology department at 814-865-1895 or visit the Web at http://entscied.cas.psu.edu/.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Maryann Frazier at 814-865-4621, Steven Jacobs at 814-863-3963 or Lyn Garling at 814-863-8884.

Contact: Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-863-9877 fax #255