Cleveland Mini Maker Faire

Last weekend I took part in the Cleveland Mini Maker Faire! It was great fun, 20 kids and adults got to build my solar flower kit and everyone had a great time. It is really inspiring to be a part of something like this, something that celebrates technology and our ability to make things, while also educating and inspiring kids and people of all ages. Thank you James Krouse and all the people at Ingenuity Fest for making this happen!

ReSyZyGy Talks

In the spirit of David Dunlap, I have re-invigorated the SyZyGy Lecture Series. These talks invite local faculty, staff, and other folks who have a story to tell. We work with so many people everyday, and commonly we have never seen their work, or heard their stories. Adam Kruger presented first and had some amazing stories- this guy has no inhibitions when it comes to putting himself on the line in pursuit of his work. And David Dunlap unveiled a bit of his history, explaining an ark of all the books he'd ever read, and how is daughters, Emma and Nelle, are inextricably linked to his work. Finally, Nacho Zamora gave an inspiring talk about his work as a curator and entrepreneur in the field of solar art.

Each talk is followed by a creativity rally, where we sometimes make things, and play music with lights and dance. 

Ingenuity Festival

Its been really fun to explore Cleveland for a few days- seeing the old steelyards, being close to the water, and Ingenuity Fest! We've seen lots of great performances, theater, music, dance, and even a really great yoga and live music session with Om Sync ! Oh and check this solar cooker out: SolarQue It takes the solar cooker to the next level with a really smart, light design, and it incorporates pyrex glass and a special insulated metallic liner to get the most from the sun's rays. 

Ingenuity Festival 2012

I've been working for the past two months now on a new sculpture for Ingenuity Festival in Cleveland. It's called Hybrid Collaboration and it is a plant/human/machine hybrid that changes color and behavior through text messaging. The body of the sculpture will be cast aluminum, and the flowers are cast glass with a bright RGB LED within.

SAP Documentary

Region4: Transformation Through Imagination!!!

It has finally come! The show opened last weekend and is off to a great start. I was blown away by all of the great work there- interactive video, painting, drawing, performance/video/installation, architectural models, photographs.... all shedding positive light on the Cabott/Koppers Superfund Site in Gainesville Florida! And the turnout was good too- easily a couple hundred people throughout the evening. Thanks to all the collaborators, the Superfund Art Project is such a great example of how art can engage a community, and deal with difficult issues, expanding science and bringing people together!

Carl Reed at UF

Last year I worked as the Administrator of the Public Art Program at the University of Florida.  I coordinated a few public art projects, but was also responsible for tackling some much-needed maintenance of existing works. One of these works was an outdoor installation by artist Carl Reed. It was site-specific and consisted of a wooden gate/arch, several granite and limestone boulders, and one larger granite boulder composition. Many years ago the work was moved and re-sited without consulting the artist, and as of last year the wooden gate had begun to rot significantly. I started this project with Carl, but was not around to see it finished....until last weekend. It was really spectacular to see the renovation! The gate was re-made in concrete and bronze, and the other elements were re-configured and re-sited on the original site. The piece really creates an anchor and a sense of history for this site, as well as a great place for sitting amongst the trees and buildings. Great job Carl!!!