SciArt Magazine - All Issues December 2015 | Page 23

Panoramic view of the interior of Art.Science.Gallery.
Photo credit: Art.Science.Gallery.

gage, interact, and think about a scientific concept, especially if that concept is more theoretical or abstract.”
In other words, sometimes a picture can say more than
numbers and letters. Science tells a story, and Art.Science.Gallery. helps to share those stories with the world.
Now in its third year, Art.Science.Gallery. could be
described as a process–orientated sciart space due to
its concentration on action, collaboration, education,
and community support. Following the love for exploration that all science–based artists embody, the gallery
and science communication education lab is constantly
morphing to suit its community’s needs and interests.
While the space works to promote and sustain the
careers of science–based artists, it also reaches out to
partner wi th artists and scientists for collaborations that
extend beyond traditional work in either field. In addition, education is at the forefront of its mission, and the
creative energy behind each exhibition demonstrates the
unparalleled commitment to forming new connections
between the greater public and science via visual art.
After completing her doctoral work in ecology, evolution, and animal behavior from the University of Texas
at Austin, Gillespie well understood the frustrating challenges facing scientists in their line of work. “Scientists
often experience intense pressure to focus intently (if
not almost entirely) on their research,” she explained.
“Graduate students receive this pressure abundantly, and
I’ve witnessed too many students drop their creative
activities at the behest of advisors… I think this is hindering science, because it gets in the way of our ability
to creatively think about and explain our work (and its

SciArt in America December 2015

relevance) to the world. The more creative we can be in
doing so, and the more passionate we can become about
presenting our work, the more effective we are.” It is
this challenge that inspired her to start science communication labs that help scientists to creatively talk about
their work in a more engaging and accessible way, thus
creating broader appreciation and understanding.
Through Art.Science.Gallery., Gillespie has also
worked hard to find many ways to support the careers
of emerging and established science–based artists from
leading workshops, to selling jewelry and other small,
affordable art objects both at the gallery and on their
newly launched online store, to fostering community
by hosting over 40 free events annually that include
lectures, opening receptions, science communication
networking events, workshops, books signings, film
screenings, and more. Even holding open calls for their
exhibitions via social media helps to draw people into
the ever–growing community Gillespie is helping to
connect. As she notes, “Many sciartists have met and
forged new connections through the gallery as a venue
and community–oriented space. Many of these events
have grown out of the suggestions of the community,
including the Austin Science Communicators networking group.”
With communication and accessibility at the forefront of the gallery’s goals, interaction has played a key
role in many of its shows. Take CogDut’s installation
at the “Ins & Outs” exhibition that ran through January and February of this year. The local screen–printing
group, comprised of Kyle Carter, Will Kauber, and Chris

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