Events

September 21, 2011

Water permeates Emory's arts year


Environmental artist John Grade comes to campus Nov. 6-19 when he will integrate water elements from Emory's natural environment into outdoor public art made from biodegradable materials.

Water has been portrayed in art for centuries—the long sea voyage in "The Odyssey," Handel's "Water Music," the Impressionist water paintings of Monet. This year, the arts at Emory take on this powerful subject, examining water through a series of creative projects. Several projects connect art and science, addressing environmental and public health issues.

Major fall events focus on sustainability

The series begins Sept. 27 with a Creativity Conversation between Vice President and Secretary Rosemary Magee and Craig Hill, Goodrich C. White Professor of Chemistry.  Hill's lab has developed the fastest, carbon-free molecular water oxidation catalyst to date, considered a crucial component for generating clean hydrogen fuel using only water and sunlight.

Environmental artist John Grade comes to campus Nov. 6-19 when he will integrate water elements from Emory's natural environment into outdoor public art made from biodegradable materials. His residency and public exhibition, "Piedmont Divide" will emphasize water as a natural and often scarce resource.

On Nov. 19, Emory students will participate in a public workshop production of Out Of Hand Theater's "Without Which Nothing," sponsored by the Playwriting Center of Theater Emory. The play follows three narratives: a scientific struggle to discover water sources in space; a retold story of the frog prince in which he mutates due to water pollution; and the daily journey for water in a very dry place. In developing the script, Out of Hand Theater worked with the Center for Chemical Evolution and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Dance explores water and movement in natural settings

"Water Study," Oct. 15-19, created by D. Patton White ‘83C, artistic director of Beacon Dance, features Emory students and Beacon Dance members. Structured as a tour of a scientific experiment, the dance will take the audience on a journey through Emory's Baker Woodlands ravine where they will encounter not only the scientists, but also the subjects of the experiment.

Lori Teague, associate dance professor, will also lead a structured improvisation "Vessel—A Water Happening" on Oct. 18. Beginning at the Michael C. Carlos Museum, participants will pour water from one vessel to another, creating an accumulating line across campus until the water is depleted.

Art exhibits stretch the boundaries of public health campaigns

 "Watching Hands: Artists Respond to Keeping Well" from Sept. 24-Jan. 13 showcases the work of six artists who interpret the act of hand washing in innovative and unexpected ways. The exhibit is sponsored by Georgia Pacific and the CDC Foundation, and curated by Louise E. Shaw of the CDC Museum.

In the spring of 2012, Rollins School of Public Health and the Center for Global Water Safety will commission artists to partner with scientists to create artwork to be installed in the School of Public Health. The project also includes a series of events with scientists and artists who engage in water-human interactions.

Other public events include a film series and musical performances. In addition, the departments of music and theater studies will offer water-themed classes, while Student Health Services will present a water-themed contest.

The Water series is curated by the Emory College Center for Creativity & Arts. All events are free and open to the public; see the complete calendar at arts.emory.edu/water.

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