WonderLab has been awarded a grant from The Bloomington Arts Commission through the 2019 Arts Project Grant Program to fund WonderLab Science of Art (SOA). This three part program series will explore the relationships between science and art through gallery exhibitions and demonstrations by local artists, accompanied by engaging activities developed by WonderLab staff. 

Science of Art is a returning program newly directed by Sarah Ericson, WonderLab Museum Experience Assistant Director. An emerging local artist, Ericson is skilled in visual art, particularly with pastel, pencil and ink. She was inspired to apply for the grant to share her love of life drawing. 

“We are hoping that this art and science showcase will attract people from all backgrounds and make it [art and science] more accessible to people,” said Ericson.

There will be three local artists who will exhibit their work. Each artist will exhibit in the museum for a two month period. The art will be exhibited along WonderLab’s main staircase with descriptive prompts that will help guests understand how science was used to create the artwork. Self-guided hands-on activities will be available through the entirety of each exhibition to help guests experience the artwork and how it was made. 

On a special Saturday during each exhibition there will be an artist meet and greet featuring demonstrations and hands-on activities. 

Saturday during the exhibition (November 9th 2019- Sarah Ericson, February 22nd, 2020- Martina Celerin and April 18th, 2020- Alex Straiker)  

  • Nov. 4, – Dec. 20, 2019, Life Drawings by painter Sarah Ericson. Sat., Nov. 9:  Artist meet and greet and hands-on observational, life drawing. 
  • Dec. 24, 2019 – Feb. 2, 2020, Fiber Art Wonders by celebrated, local fiber artist Martina Celerin. Sat., Feb. 22: Artist meet and greet with hands-on fiber art activities. 
  • Mar. 17 – Apr. 26, 2020, Microscopy and Views from Inside: Digital images of Cellular structures from the Straiker Lab by IU Senior Research Scientist, Alex Straiker. Sat., April 18: Artist meet and greet along hands-on microscopy and photography. 

“When we showcase local artists, it adds richness to the space. It provides something visually exciting and connects to the other activities in the museum,” said Ella Heckman, WonderLab Museum Experience Director.

“We are excited for guests to experience how the two disciplines of science and art are deeply intertwined,” said Ericson. 

Science of Art Program events will be free with museum admission. Activities will be  appropriate for all ages as well as family groups. 

WonderLab is an award-winning science museum located at 308 W. Fourth St. on the B-Line Trail in Bloomington, Indiana. The museum is open to the public from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. – 5: p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 – 5 p.m. on Sunday. General admission is $9, and children younger than one are free. For more information call (812) 337-1337, or go online to wonderlab.org or WonderLab’s Facebook page.