Art.Science.Gallery. Is Intriguingly Innovative

This guest blog article is by Madison Torres.

Art AND science? Though they’re typically viewed as unrelated subjects, Hayley Gillespie, founder of Art.Science.Gallery., understands the two disciplines actually merge together in a unique way.

Hayley first opened Art.Science.Gallery. as a mobile gallery in 2012. After more than a year and much anticipation, the gallery launched its first exhibition at its permanent location in the center of East Austin. It’s one of the nation’s first art  galleries to feature exclusively science-related artwork. The gallery strives to make science more accessible through visual arts. As a result, the venue is building a community of artists and scientists who want to share their knowledge and experience with the public.

What Can You See at Art.Science.Gallery.?

The current exhibition, IMPRESSI, is in participation with PrintAustin, a city-wide printmaking extravaganza. IMPRESSI will be on display through February 9, 2014. There you will find science-inspired prints from local artists and artists worldwide. One of the highlights is the Periodic Table Printmaking Project, with 118 prints made by different artists to creatively represent each and every element.

In the past, Art.Science.Gallery. has participated in the E.A.S.T. and W.E.S.T. Austin Studio Tours, “Art from Ashes” Benefit for Bastrop Fire Relief, projects for Texas museums, and their own exhibitions. One of my favorite exhibitions was ECLOSION, an insect-inspired exhibit featuring works from 43 artists chosen by esteemed entomologists from different universities and National Geographic.

Another recent exhibit was their Trading Card exhibition, where the public was encouraged to submit their own trading card size, science-inspired creations. The result was incredible, with over 180 submissions from professional artists to elementary students, all who found inspiration in mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology, geo/planetary sciences, and more.

How Can You Get Involved?

Art.Science.Gallery. is more than just a gallery. They offer classes and internships too. In December, they held a Mathematical Origami class and are planning to offer a variety of classes this year on the subjects of Ecology, Herpetology, Climate Change, Animal Behavior, and more. Some of those courses may even include adventurous field trips with professionals on the subject!

If you have an interest in the arts or sciences, but don’t have a background in either, you are perfect for their internship program. The program is intended to be interdisciplinary, with interns from all backgrounds working together to make Art.Science.Gallery. a truly unique place.

You will want to keep an eye out for their open call exhibitions as well. For those exhibits, submissions are accepted from anyone and everyone. Who knows, you may have a piece displayed on their walls soon!

What Makes This Place so Extraordinary?

When asked why Austin,TX was the choice location for her gallery, Hayley replied, “Austin is a melting pot of incredible people, ideas, and communities. Austin is brimming with talented artists and notable scientists.  Austin is supportive of local businesses and open to non-traditional ideas. Simply no other place compared!”

Art.Science.Gallery. is a melting pot of ideas and people, just like the city it was founded in. The gallery wants to give back to this city by engaging the public and building an integrative community. Working together, we can foster a fun and friendly environment where people from all backgrounds and ages can learn, explore, and appreciate the wonders of art AND science. So what are you waiting for? Check out an exhibit, get involved, or submit your own creative work. Don’t miss the opportunity to be a part of something this remarkable!

Art.Science.Gallery is located at 916 Springdale Rd. Building 2, Suite 102 and is open from 12-6 PM on Wed-Sun, except for Thursday when hours are 12-5 PM.

Madison Torres is a graduate student at Texas State University studying Wildlife Ecology. She has called Austin home for the last four years and looks forward to having more adventures in this wonderful city!