Science and art – can they coexist? Absolutely, according to a group of Fresno State psychology professors who also are active artists. They’ll bring the two disciplines together in April and they’re inviting the public to also enter pieces for a show called “Art Scientifique: Artistic Interpretation of Science.”
The multi-artist, all-media show will be presented April 4-29 in the Chris Sorensen Studio, 2223 S. Van Ness Blvd. in Fresno. An Arthop reception will be from 5-9 p.m. April 7 with food, music and Fresno State wine.
Robert Levine, Martin Shapiro, Constance Jones, Lisa Anderson, Criss Wilhite and Taylor Harris are all instructors at California State University, Fresno and are coordinating the show. This first-ever local mash up of art and science will be part of the College of Science and Mathematics’ celebration of Fresno State’s Centennial. Also sponsoring are the College of Arts and Humanities and the Department of Psychology.
“Artists and scientists share a deep kinship,” said Levine, who works in metal sculpture at the Sorensen studio. “We’re both driven by some combination of aesthetics and the search for truths. This is, I think, why many scientists are attracted to art and vice versa. It’s exciting when the two approaches get combined, as they are in the pieces in this show.”
The scientists intend to make the show a yearly event with changing themes. This year’s theme is “The Human Being.” Artistic representations will feature what it means to be human — genetically, anatomically, evolutionarily, psychologically and culturally.
Works eligible for entry will pertain to any scientific aspect of humanity – the human genome, evolutionary history, adaptation, physical form and psychology. All media will be considered. Original work only will be accepted with an entry fee of $15 per piece and a maximum of two pieces per artist. The gallery will receive submissions on Saturday, March 26, from noon to 4 p.m. No advance arrangements are needed.
Fresno State professors’ art disciplines are Shapiro (pottery), Levine (metal work), Constance Jones (needlework), Lisa Anderson (glass), Criss Wilhite (graphics) and Taylor Harris (dance).
Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays.
For more information, contact Shapiro at mashapiro@csufresno.edu or Levine at robertle@csufresno.edu, or visit Facebook, keyword art scientifique.
