Art League of Rhode Island Opens Season with “Tangible Thinking”
RISBJ Staff | Aug 25, 2015
PROVIDENCE, RI – The Intersection of Art, Design, Math, & Science, a program of the Art League of RI will take place from September 12, 2015 through November 1, 2015 at the group’s VETS Gallery, One Avenue of the Arts, in Providence, RI.
The gallery is open Thursday through Saturday from noon to 3pm and on Gallery Night, Thursday, Sept. 17th from 5-9pm. The opening reception will be held on September 18th from 5:30-8pm. Entrance to the VETS Gallery is on the Park Street side of the Veterans Memorial Auditorium.
The Curator of the program is industrial designer/artist Amy Leidtke. Participating artists are: Kate Blacklock, Allison Chen, Joseph D. Clinton, Dennis Dreher, Carl Fasano, Paula Gaetano-Adi, Paula (in collaboration with Gustavo Crembil), David Namhon Kim, Stephen Metcalf (in collaboration with John A. Hiigli) Wanda M. Miglus, Jan Mun, Sophia Sobers, and Kenneth Speiser.
The Tangible Thinking exhibit examines how artists and designers use methods of Observation, Perception, Experimentation, and Visualization to explore, understand, and communicate complex systems and concepts of geometry, nature, physics, biology, new media, technology, and more.
The work will honor the combined and engaged artistic practice that is informed by both art and science. This multidisciplinary way of thinking relies on actively integrating and applying Science, Technology, Engineering, Art (+Design), and Math, and can be recognized as a form of STEAM Intelligence. This form of intelligence is increasingly relevant to the development of new systems, products, media, and materials.
The works represented in the exhibit are current and exciting examples of “tangible thinking”. The show focuses on why and how artists and designers make art today – it examines what tools, materials, and technologies they employ – it values trying things out in the pursuit of figuring things out – and it holds dear the evidence of experimentation as much as the final finished work.
The curator, Amy Leidtke, said, “Artists and designers of today and tomorrow are increasingly relevant to our ability to innovate new human-centered products, systems, services, materials, and interfaces. In order to be highly productive, we must be multidisciplinary and collaborative, working equally as team members alongside scientists, engineers, mathematicians, and more. The skills of the artist and designer are an essential element of what it takes to deeply investigate, visualize, and solve problems for a better future. That is one of the reasons the concept of integrated STEAM education makes the greatest sense. In order to create the tools, technologies, and materials of tomorrow, young citizens need to be prepared to work on across sectors, together. Our children need what I call STEAM Intelligence, a term I made up in order to better think and talk about possible education models and products. I believe the artists and designers represented in the Tangible Thinking exhibition and programs demonstrate this unique form of intelligence, something our culture should hold in higher esteem and value.”
Accompanying programs include: Artists’ Talk, Sept. 20, 12:00 – 3:00pm at the Metcalf Auditorium, Chace Center/RISD Museum; and Tinker Time with Artists, Oct 31, 12:00 – 3:00pm (designed for childrens’ participation).
Tangible Thinking is sponsored by: Van Lieu Trust Company, the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts, Amy Leidtke and Stephen Metcalf.
Art League Rhode Island numbers among its members some of Rhode Island’s most prominent artists working in a wide range of media from painting to furniture making. Through exhibitions and educational programs, ALRI promotes artistic excellence and builds pubic awareness and appreciation for the visual arts.
For more information, go to: www.artleagueri.org or contact the Art League at: office@artleagueri.org or call 401-861-0500.
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