KU News Release

Natural History Museum to display art that addresses scientific issues

LAWRENCE — The Natural History Museum at the University of Kansas and its Student Advisory Board are seeking art for a new rotating exhibit that will open at the start of the fall 2008 semester.

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 are “Biodiversity is vital to every habitat on Earth” or “Biodiversity is created, enhanced and maintained through evolution.”

Artists may submit their work until April 15. Most media will be accepted, but artwork will be required to fit in frames that are either 24 by 36 inches, 18 by 26 inches or 6 by 6 inches. Videos also can be submitted. Submissions may be brought to the Natural History Museum or submitted electronically to Thomas Hardy, Student Advisory Board president; Katie Oberthaler, Student Advisory Board vice president; or Tristan Smith, the group’s adviser.

“The goal of this project is twofold,” said Smith. “First, we want to present the community with something that 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 on June 1, and installation will begin soon thereafter. In anticipation of the rotating exhibit, gallery space on four floors in Dyche Hall will be renovated. An opening will be Aug. 18. As part of the exhibit, space for visitors’ comments will be available 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. Handouts and gallery-tour podcasts also will be produced.

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