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A Conversation Between the Arts& Sciences

With over 80 people in attendance for the Arts& Initiative's first salon, the event was definitely a success. The evening highlighted UAB student and alumni artworks that were reminiscent of the sciences and a discussion featuring biologist Jamie Gillooly and Birmingham-artist Merrilee Challiss. Question after question, the conversation about art and science collaborations seemed to continually go deeper.

(Left: "Oneness" by Katelyn Ledford)

The event began with arts and science students filing in, enjoying the provided refreshments, and viewing the beautiful artwork we had the privilege to display. Soon, the room became packed, with many having to stand for lack of seating. Biologist and professor Jamie Gillooly captivated minds when he shared some of the work that he had overseen in his "Arts and Science" class that he'd taught at the University of Florida. Personally, one creation of interest he mentioned was a wire sculpture of the human body. When listening to an emotional story through headphones attached to the sculpture, certain neural pathways within the body that correlated with the emotion from the story would illuminate. Merrilee Challiss enchanted imaginations in speaking of her artistic process, which is inspired by overlapping natural systems and varying​​ levels of consciousness.

During the discussion, we asked Jamie and Merrilee questions like, "how are the arts and sciences connected and how can we build upon those connections?", "how do you go about brainstorming ideas?", and "what are some suggestions you have for students who wish to collaborate across disciplines?". The two gave very insightful answers. Here are a few paraphrased key points that Merrilee and Jamie discussed on the evening of the salon:

• Arts and sciences are very much related in that they work very similarly in their beginnings: both involve research and a methodological process, and in reality both areas are creative - they are meant to work together.

• We can build on the connections between the arts and sciences by starting more conversations between the two disciplines. Getting artists and scientists to be in the same space, talk, and brainstorm together will illuminate those natural connections between the two disciplines and build them up further.

(Left: "The 'M' in Memento Mori" by Merrilee Challiss)

• Jamie Gillooly mentioned that scientists often do not do anything to cause ideas to come to them, they simply wait for the next "a-ha!" moment and build on that in brainstorming. He seemed very interested in the idea of doing small exercises to fashion up ideas. Merrilee suggested a camping trip - why not go to a place without cell service, bring a sketch book, and simply observe, be thoughtful, and enjoy being in your surroundings?

• For tips to students who wish to collaborate across disciplines, the speakers suggested that the students have patience with others who do not share the same experiences and be willing to work on every portion of the project so that you are gaining practice in areas you do not normally work within. Students became so inspired by the words of Gillooly and Challis that the leader of UAB's Medium art club even began planning a collaborative camping trip for arts and science students! Want to attend the next salon? Save the date: Arts& the Public Sphere, October 12th, 6pm-7:30pm. More details to come. For more information about biologist Jamie Gillooly, click here. For more information about Birmingham artist Merrilee Challiss, click here. Do you have any questions or comments? Leave them below!


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