Since the beginning of time, artists have been fascinated by the patterns of nature. Today, many artists are taking on nature — not just as subject, but as medium — employing natural materials, living organisms, even the wind itself, in their work.

Sculptor Ned Kahn uses industrial methods to engineer vast machined installations, revealing the beauty of wind and water in motion.

Engineer/artist Natalie Jeremijenko plants 100 pairs of cloned trees throughout San Francisco, rendering the pattern of differences between neighborhoods and microclimates.

Bill Dan, also known as the “Rock Man of Crissy Field,” takes on nature with his bare hands, creating improbable and striking rock sculptures that mesmerize bystanders.

Rising stars in the art world reflect on the impact of sudden celebrity and the challenges of balancing commitment to their art with the temptations of fame and fortune.

First, we visit with dancer Rasta Thomas as he tries to parlay his success in the worlds of modern dance and ballet into a Hollywood career.

And we follow Mission-based artist Chris Johanson as he dodges the spotlight while his colorful, kinetic installations attract audiences around the world.

Then artists at both ends of the spectrum reflect on the lure of fame: Hear from Bay Area unknowns as they take their crack at stardom in open auditions for the Apollo Theatre‘s Amateur Night (apollotheater.com) presented by Cal Performances.

Finally, we go behind the scenes with classical music superstar Joshua Bell as he rehearses at Davies Symphony Hall.

It’s the on-air debut of Spark — spotlighting what goes on behind the scenes at some of the hottest Bay Area opening nights and their last minute challenges.

First, become a part of San Francisco history with the gala celebrating the colossal new Asian Art Museum and see firsthand why it takes money to make money.

Then, feel the tension and triumph as the staff of a small theater company, Teatro Visión de San Jose, defiantly mount their ambitious period production of a new work, “Conjunto,” in the face of shrinking budgets and the deepening economic downturn.

Finally, get the performers’ view backstage at the San Francisco Ballet for a taste of the ballet classic “Don Quixote.”