KU News Release

LAWRENCE — The gaze of Frida Kahlo, sugar skull tattoos, Mayan pyramids and the voice of singer Lila Downs: These are just a few of the things that have been occupying the mind of Stacey Fox, University of Kansas lecturer in the Department of Visual Art.

Fox is the lead artist and senior adviser for the Smithsonian's Latino Virtual Museum. Fox's creative works are on display in the museum as it celebrates Dia De Los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

Dia De Los Muertos is a day of celebration for the people of Latin America, particularly in Mexico and Central America. Rather than grieve over the loss of family or friends, they choose to commemorate the deceased and welcome the return of their spirits.

The museum's virtual Dia De Los Muertos Festival takes place online in Second Life. To take part in the festival, participants must have an avatar in Second Life and can join by going to http://latino.si.edu/education/LVMDayoftheDeadFestival.htm.

Fox created the interactive environment in which the festival is taking place, including the textures, 3D models, animations and interactive scripts. She also created a 3D Crystal Skull Skybox in which people attending the event will experience the objects and environment pop out of their screens.

She also produced concert footage of award-winning Mexican artist Lila Downs from the 10th annual Dia De Los Muertos Memorial Celebration on the grounds of the historic Hollywood Forever cemetery in Los Angeles. KU student Sandra Ristovska worked with Fox as assistant editor for the live concert film.

"We are very fortunate to have found some of the best and innovative artists to work with us in forging the new frontier in immersive learning via our online initiative, the Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum," said Melissa Carrillo, director of the Latino Virtual Museum. "One such artist is Stacey Fox. As the lead artist, Ms. Fox works closely with me in redefining the role of the museum in participatory 3D environments.  Her vision and talent in cutting-edge new media and game design keep her on top of immersive education trends that will help contribute to the Smithsonian's role as an innovator in online exhibition and distribution strategies using virtual world, augmented reality and game technologies."

Fox teaches game art, digital animation and immersive environments at KU. She brings her professional experiences back into the studio at KU, where students in her classes utilize state-of-the-art technology to create interactive games for the iPhone and iPod Touch as well as online gaming environments and digital animated videos. Students in Fox's classes draw upon their foundational drawing, painting and sculpture skills to create animated 2D and 3D characters, storyboards, soundtracks and new environments.

For more information on the Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum's Dia De Los Muertos Festival visit http://latino.si.edu/education/LVMDayoftheDeadFestival.htm.