DATE: February 25, 2009

CONTACT: Lisa Benson, 864-656-0417
lbenson@clemson.edu

WRITER: Jessica Lance, 864-656-2061
jrlance@clemson.edu

Students encouraged to take part in Science as Art 2009

CLEMSON — Clemson University students, faculty and staff, as well as high school students, are invited to submit original works to Science as Art 2009. The deadline for submitting an entry is Friday, March 6.

Science as Art at Clemson uses visual representations of science and technology to provide a connection between scientists, artists and the general public. This event has challenged Clemson University students, faculty and staff to produce and share images from laboratories, workspaces and learning environments.

Entries should convey a significant or captivating scientific concept or event, but do not have to be research-based. Individuals or teams can submit entries. Multidisciplinary collaboration is encouraged in this event to see how different areas of study relate to one another. Categories for entries include photographs, illustrations and electronic media, including video and explanatory graphics. There will also be a category for high school entries. Winners in each category will receive gift certificates from local businesses.

“Several things make this a great event for Clemson. First, it truly embodies the idea of ‘One Clemson’, crossing every discipline and college and providing a real opportunity for interdisciplinary collaboration and discussion," said Lisa Benson, assistant professor for the department of engineering and science education and organizer of the Science as Art competition. "Second, it promotes scientific literacy, and communicating what we do is so important to our missions of education, service and research. Third, not many universities have programs like this; it is unique for a university like Clemson,”

All entries will be displayed in the lobby of R.M. Cooper Library from April 1 through mid-May. Entries will be judged by a panel of artists and scientists from the community, based on visual impact, effective communication, freshness and originality. A People’s Choice Award will be given based on a campuswide poll of all entries. A “Meet the Artist” reception and exhibit will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 1, at the Advanced Materials Research Laboratory in Anderson County. Entry forms are on the College of Engineering and Science Web site. Entries must be submitted electronically.

“Students are encouraged to submit entries. Entries do not need to be sophisticated or only research-based. We are looking for all kinds of interesting images and entries, as long as they are communicating something from a scientific standpoint as well as being visually appealing,” said Benson.

Sponsors for Science as Art 2009 include the Center for Advanced Engineering Fibers and Films, the Clemson University Research Foundation, the department of engineering and science education and Clemson’s chapter of the Scientific Research Society, Sigma Xi.