The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum (UMLAUF) proudly announces the inauguration of ATX LASER (Austin – Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous). Inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s inventive spirit, the ATX LASER salon series celebrates the intersection of art and science. The series will launch Tuesday, March 4, 2014, in partnership with the nonprofit Leonardo/The International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology (Leonardo/ISAST).
Akin to successful art-science programs in London, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and New York City, ATX LASER provides an opportune environment for progressive thought leaders to form a community and explore the intersections of interdisciplinary thinking. Through a series of five sessions spanning March to November, the UMLAUF offers the ideal creative crucible for seemingly unrelated disciplines to connect, welcoming innovators of all types: artists, scientists, curators, scholars, engineers, designers, and educators to participate.
The series launch will feature four guest speakers: Roger Malina, Arts and Technology distinguished chair at the University of Texas at Dallas, executive editor of Leonardo Publications at MIT Press, physicist and astronomer; Andrew Blanton, research fellow in the ATEC ArtSciLab, senior lecturer at the University of Texas at Dallas, composer and media artist; Francesca Samsel, assistant research professor at the University of Texas at El Paso and interactive artist; and Kathy Ellins, program manager at the Institute for Geophysics in the Jackson School of Geosciences at the University of Texas at Austin and trained geochemist.
This salon will explore such diverse topics as: the impact and creative application of technology; the intersection of anatomy, art and genetics; arts role in environmental education and activism; visualizing and understanding Big Data; building community and communication between disciplines. ATX LASER pays homage to Charles Umlauf’s creative vision and will include future sessions relating directly to the sculptor’s vast oeuvre.
Following the speaker presentations, an open discussion will commence where participation is welcomed and encouraged from all attendees.
ATX LASER was conceived by J.D. Talasek, UMLAUF scholar-in-residence. Talasek is the director of cultural programs of the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. and the founder of the D.C. Art Science Evening Rendezvous (DASER) program. His co-organizers for ATX LASER are Katie Robinson Edwards, PhD., UMLAUF curator, and Diane Sikes, UMLAUF director of programs.
Below are the dates for the next four ATX LASER sessions which are free and open to the public.
May 20, 2014
July 15, 2014
September 16, 2014
November 18, 2014
For more information visit:
http://umlaufsculpture.org/2014/02/event/atx-laser-launch/
Admission is free but RSVP is required. RSVP at: http://atxlaserlaunch.eventbrite.com
About Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum:
Founded in 1991, The Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum exhibits the work of the noted 20th century American sculptor Charles Umlauf who donated his home, studio and 168 pieces of sculpture to the city of Austin. The property was transformed into a sculpture garden for the dozens of bronze and stone pieces. Through workshops, classes, tours and exhibitions the museum’s mission is to provide educational experiences that encourage the understanding and appreciation of sculpture.
About Leonardo/The International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology:
The Leonardo/The International Society for the Arts, Sciences, and Technology (Leonardo/ISAST) is a non-profit organization that serves the global network of distinguished scholars, artists, scientists, researchers, and thinkers through programs focused on interdisciplinary work, creative output and innovation. Visit the Leonardo/ISAST website for more information.
JD Talasek
Director, Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences
500 5th Street, NW / Washington, DC 20001
(o) 202 334 3104
(f) 202 334 1690