JWST: Art + Science Opening Reception

Luminosity.  Image credit Jolearra Tishiteya

FURTHER UPDATE: The exhibit was extended again, the last day is July 2nd.
UPDATE: Due to popular demand, the exhibit has been extended into May!
What a great experience! Here's my chronicle of attending The James Webb Space Telescope: Art + Science 2017 opening reception. It's open, and free, at the NASA Goddard Visitor Center through April 16. This is my work in the show, Luminosity. If you are new here, you can track back the project and my part in it by clicking on the James Webb in the top header, or clicking here.

Luminosity, detail.  Image credit Jolearra Tishiteya

Because the Center had been undergoing renovations, mounting the exhibit happened on a quick timeline. I decided to deliver my artwork in person the day before, and I was very glad I did.

I had previously expressed my concerns on displaying my work in a way that made it obvious that it shouldn't be handled. It's been my experience that textile art in general, and my work in particular, is so tactile and inviting that people who wouldn't dream of touching a painting will almost unconsciously reach out to touch a quilt.  When I arrived, the staff was busy building a structure to accomplish that goal and simultaneously show it off to the best advantage. I got to help design and screw together what was basically a giant erector set. You can see how happy I am with the results!

I also had a bit of time to look around the rest of the renovated Center and appreciate the interactive science exhibits.

The next afternoon, I was back for a scheduled media event. This also gave me a lot of time to talk with the other artists, admire their work, and talk shop about motivation and process.  Once again, very happy!

Luminosity, as befits its name, looks different in all the changing light conditions in the center. (The glass is UV protected, so no worries there.) Just outside the window is this cool rocket model.

Finally the big night arrived!

Sue Reno with Luminosity.  Image credit Ophelia Chambliss

Everyone looked great--there was a lot of gold/space themed attire.

L-R Sue Reno, Joanna Barnum, Brandi Smart, Maggie Masetti, Lauren Emeritz  Credit: Ophelia Chambliss

Here's some snapshots of the artwork.  For better, and accredited, images, along with detail shots and artist's statements, visit this NASA site.

Even the cupcakes were appropriate to the theme.

It was both gratifying and humbling to see how many of the people who have worked on the James Webb Space Telescope came out in support for the opening. I had conversations with scientists, engineers, and administrators whose involvement spanned the long term. It truly was a meeting of Art + Science.

Part way into the evening several people spoke, including Maggie Masetti. The art event was her brainchild, and she deserves many accolades for its design and execution. She has been a grand cheerleader and an advocate for the artists, and always accessible as we worked on our art and had questions.  Thanks Maggie!

As you can tell from the artwork, one of the strengths of the project was the diversity of the artists invited.  Hannah Larrabee wrote three poems. which she had  letterpress printed.

Here's Hanna reading The Three Body Problem. (Edit--this may be too long for viewing on some mobile devices/connections.)

John Garvey performed his very catchy song about the Telescope.  You can view his video on You Tube:

While everyone was gathered there was a call for a group photo. That's photographer Jolearra Tishiteya, who did a great job of herding us all together.

I'm glad so many artists were able to attend--we missed those who couldn't.

Artist Group photo, credit Jolearra Tishiteya

Some more  links for your enjoyment:
The official NASA article about the exhibit opening:
https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2017/an-inside-look-at-nasas-webb-telescope-art-exhibit

I was interviewed for this excellent article about space art::

http://www.lateralmag.com/articles/issue-19/painting-the-stars

Ashley Zelinskie was featured in this one:

https://3dprint.com/166880/shapeways-3d-printed-artwork/

John Garvey put together a cut of his live performance at the event:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaV6oinEpiM

Joanna Barnum and Maggie Masetti did a live news interview:

http://www.fox5dc.com/news/239232901-video

 WJC 13 in Baltimore did a nice spot that they have on rotation.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2017/03/04/science-art-unite-for-exhibit-inspired-by-nasa-telescope/ 

Sue Reno, Luminosity, photo credit Ophelia Chambliss

I am so glad I took a leap and applied for this opportunity. Personally, it stretched my skills, and gave me a new lens on the world that will be impacting my work for a long time. Professionally, I enjoyed meeting artists from many different disciplines and talking about our similarities and differences.  As a citizen and a patriot, I am inordinately proud to have done my small bit to promote  awareness of the JWST, and by extension, the science and technology that comprise the basis of my worldview and which I am happy to help support with my tax dollars.

Luminosity at NASA Goddard Visitor Center