BLUEPRINTS PROJECT
Collaborative exhibit explores the connections of science and art

COLORADO SPRINGS (April 7, 2009) – Is it possible that inside every artist there is a scientific mind? Or that every scientist uses creativity in their deductive processes? The connection between creativity, exploration and invention was accepted during the Renaissance; why not today?

These questions and more are addressed by the BluePrints Project: an experimental educational program for children ages 4-13 where science meets art. During a two-day workshop, students and their adult co-conspirators (college students, artists and members of the community) explored seeds, cells and DNA, then created an artistic response using cyanotype photography, the original blueprint technology, alternative black and white photographic techniques, printing, and sculpture.

ABOUT THE WORKSHOP
“What an amazing production!....Made me wish I was one of the kids partaking in this incredible event”
“I was amazed at the installation of so much material, information etc.... clearly ... all were deeply engaged , and then so much work.... WOW!”

THE EXHIBITION
The resulting series of works include a giant hanging mobile, eerie blue photographs, and film works exploring themes of identity and environment. These artworks will be exhibited at the FAC MODERN May 8 – June 5. An Opening Celebration for the free exhibit is May 8 from 5-8 p.m.

CO-ORDINATION
The project was co-ordinated by artist Hellen Eberhardie Dunn, 2009 UCCS Heller Center Fellow for Arts and Humanities and director of Environmental Art Reflex, (E.A.R.) a local organization dedicated to find pathways for art, science an the environment to meet and interact. Originally from England, Eberhardie Dunn is a sculptor whose work ranges from public commissions in bronze and marble to installations and performance ritual. Recently Hellen has been teaching sculpture at UCCS.

“An inclusive paradigm encouraging understanding of the connections between art and science, nature and human joy is not only desirable but necessary right now,” she said. “Redefining our relationship to the environment from one of use and abuse to one of reciprocity means creating new pathways for our collective future on this planet. This is work for creative scientists and environmentally aware artists.”

THE HELLER CENTER FOR THE ARTS AND HUMANITIES
BluePrints is sponsored by the Heller Center for the Arts and Humanities – dedicated to celebrating the humanities through accommodating retreats, workshops, exhibits, and visiting artists. More at http://www.uccs.edu/~heller/.

COPPer
Joining in the festivities next door, COPPeR, the Cultural Office of the Pikes Peak Region, is delighted to host an open house in our offices adjacent to the Fine Arts Center Modern. All are invited to come have a sip (wine from Nosh and beer from Bristol Brewing) and a nibble (tacos from La'au's), and learn more about COPPeR's efforts to advance art and culture. www.coppercolo.org

ABOUT THE FAC MODERN
Opened in April of 2006, the FAC MODERN expanded the Fine Arts Center’s reach into the heart of downtown Colorado Springs with gallery space in the first floor of the south tower at the Plaza of the Rockies. The FAC MODERN was called the ‘best thing to happen to Southern Colorado business’ by the readers of the Colorado Springs Business Journal and the ‘Best Art Museum’ by the readers of The Gazette last year. The FAC MODERN is sponsored by the Gay & Lesbian Fund for Colorado, Nor’wood Development and the El Pomar Foundation. For more information, visit csfineartscenter.org.