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Research and Graduate Studies @ KU

Updates from the Office of Research and Graduate Studies — March 2008

KU Natural History Museum seeks art for new gallery space

Artist submissions for a new rotating art exhibit are welcome by the University of Kansas Natural History Museum Student Advisory Board until approximately April 15. The exhibit, which will be showcased throughout four floors of spiraling new gallery space in Dyche Hall, will display artwork that focuses on artistic interpretations of scientific topics. Artwork will be showcased for six months with an exhibition opening on August 18.

The theme of the exhibit is "Biodiversity is…". Artists are encouraged to explore the meanings and implications of biodiversity in the modern world. Descriptive topics and springboards for artistic ideas include: "biodiversity is vital to every habitat on earth" or "biodiversity is created, enhanced and maintained through evolution." Most media types will be accepted, but artwork will be required to fit in frames that are either 24x36, 18x26 or 6x6. Video may also be submitted. All submissions may be brought directly to the Natural History Museum or submitted electronically to any of the listed contacts below.

"The goal of this project is twofold," said Tristan Smith, staff advisor to the Student Advisory Board. "First, we want to present the community with something they might not expect to see in a Natural History Museum. Second, we want to engage students and the general public in an interdisciplinary discussion and give them a different viewpoint about the scientific topics covered in the artwork."

Award notification will be made June 1, and installation will begin soon thereafter. In anticipation of the rotating exhibit, the gallery space will be completely renovated. A space for visitor comments will be provided along with information about the artists. Accompanying the artwork will be labels featuring statements about the science behind the art and a statement from the artist. An exhibit opening will be held, handouts will be printed and gallery tour podcasts will be produced.

For more information, or if you have a question, please contact:

  • Thomas Hardy, Student Advisory Board President, (785) 864-4450 or tcarlhardy@gmail.com.
  • Katie Oberthaler, Student Advisory Board Vice-President (785) 864-4450 or koberth@ku.edu.
  • Tristan Smith, Director of Visitor Services and Advisory Board Advisor, (785) 864-2380 or tgsmith@ku.edu.