‘Interdisciplinary’ exhibition on view at VPA’s XL Projects through June 28

‘Interdisciplinary’ exhibition on view at VPA’s XL Projects through June 28May 26, 2009Erica Blustesblust@syr.edu

Dinosaur aesthetics, Onondaga Lake and the creation of energy from body sweat are among the subjects addressed in “Interdisciplinary,” an exhibition of projects by Syracuse University College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) faculty who received 2008-09 grants from VPA’s Interdisciplinary Committee. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, is on view through Saturday, June 28, at XL Projects, 307-313 S. Clinton St. An opening reception will be held Friday, June 5, from 6-9 p.m. Regular exhibition hours are Wednesday-Sunday, 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m.

Funded by the office of VPA Dean Ann Clarke, the grants are an integral part of an initiative developed by the college in 2006 to encourage interdisciplinary study and engagement activities.

“Interdisciplinary” features the following projects:

• “Creative Collaborations,” readings and songs from the class “Poetry and Music Composition,” taught by Gregory Mertl, assistant professor of composition in the Rose, Jules R. and Stanford S. Setnor School of Music;

• “Dinosaurs Had Sharp Teeth!” an interactive display about dinosaur aesthetics by Chris Wildrick, assistant professor of foundation in the School of Art and Design;

• “The Lake Project: Social Sculpture and the Urban Landscape,” featuring photographs of Onondaga Lake by students of Sarah McCoubrey, associate professor of foundation in the School of Art and Design, and Marion Wilson, VPA director of community initiatives;

• “Practicing in Public,” featuring a video installation by students of Sam Van Aken, associate professor of sculpture in the School of Art and Design, and Laura Heyman, assistant professor of art photography in the Department of Transmedia;

• “Singing for an Inclusive Society,” featuring photographs and video from a project led by Miso Suchy, associate professor of film in the Department of Transmedia; Lida Suchy; and the Syracuse Community Choir; and

• “Waste to Work,” an exploration of how body sweat can be harnessed to create energy, led by Olivia Robinson, assistant professor of fiber arts/material studies in the School of Art and Design, and Daniela Kostova.

For more information about the exhibition, contact Andrew Havenhand, the college’s program exhibitions coordinator, at (315) 474-1217 or ahavenhand@yahoo.com.

VPA is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship and commentary. The college provides the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. Learn more at http://vpa.syr.edu.