The Vanderbilt Institute for Infection, Immunology and Inflammation Artist-in-Residence Program (VI4-AiR) invites the public to the opening celebration of its “Molecular Muse” exhibition Aug. 7 at the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery.
The celebration starts at 10:30 a.m. in Medical Center North with a presentation from participating VI4-AiR artists and researchers to discuss their art and the science behind it. Then, at 4:30 p.m., the exhibition will open in the Vanderbilt Fine Arts Gallery located in Cohen Memorial Hall. A reception will accompany the opening.
“Molecular Muse” showcases work created by VI4-AiR participants over the past four years as part of the program’s mission to bring artists and labs together to create and promote art as a visual science communication tool.
Kendra Oliver, PhD, associate professor of Pharmacology and director, design, School of Medicine Basic Sciences, founded the program in 2019 alongside Eric Skaar, PhD, MPH, director of VI4 and Ernest W. Goodpasture Professor of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology.
Since then, VI4-AiR has brought 89 artists and 55 scientists together, resulting in seven journal covers, graphics in 15 publications and over 118 pieces of digital media used in conference presentations, lab websites and social media.
Oliver, an artist herself, said, “We are grateful for, inspired by and in awe of the artists and scientists who participated in the VI4-AiR programming,” adding, “we are honored by their willingness to experiment and create as we attempt to innovate cross-disciplinary collaborations between art, science, design and technology.”
In 2020, the Burroughs Wellcome Fund supported the VI4-AiR program with a three-year grant, helping it expand nationwide. Since then, students from over a dozen states have participated in the program.
To register for the free celebration, go here. For more information, contact Oliver at kendra.h.oliver@vanderbilt.edu.