This exhibit looks at how science and art work together to inspire innovative creations that enhance our lives and open our minds. You will meet five scientists who have used both science and art in their work, and learn what inspires them. There will also be plenty of opportunities to experience science and art firsthand with several hands-on interactive activities.

What does Origami have to do with geometry?

Why is a worm considered art to some?

How is music created from a micro-chip?

And how can a nanometer of water become a fun, interactive experience?

All these questions and more are answered in the Science & Art exhibit developed and created by the Science Museum of Minnesota for the Arkansas Discovery Network.The exhibit will tour the Network’s seven museum partners now through early 2011.

“Visitors can expect to see, hear and interact with works of art that illustrate how science and art intersect in real life. As visitors make their way through the exhibit, they’ll be encouraged to listen to their inner scientist and indulge their inner artist.”

— Diane LaFollette, Network Coordinator, Arkansas Discovery Network

Science & Art is organized into five “mini” exhibits featuring projects created by artists who have specific masteries in scientific areas. The displays are designed to show that art and science aren’t the same thing but have much in common.You will also experience how art can be used to convey scientific ideas and phenomena and experience science from a fresh point of view.

The first stop in the gallery features Origami sculpture work by Robert Lang, Ph.D., one of the world’s leading origami masters with more than 500 designs catalogued and diagrammed. Lang’s work shows how following simple folding rules and some basic mathematical principals allows the creation of a complex and beautiful 3D world of art made from paper. Your visitors may fold their own work of art to take home or leave for display in the gallery’s “visitor art” section.

Next, you will be directed to the “Beautiful Worm,” which combines biology and photography, offering a unique window into the world of scientific research as interpreted through art. This part of the exhibit showcases research of the C. elegans worm by Ahna Skop, Ph.D., assistant professor of genetics at the University of Wisconsin. A real microscope with video head allows you to look at live specimens and illustrates what researchers such as Skop have learned from this creature.

You will also enjoy the creations of 1-Bit Music inventor Tristan Perich. The 1-Bit is part art, part physics and part mathematics. 1-bit compositions are delivered to listeners via an on/off switch, micro-chip, battery, earphone jack and volume control all squeezed into a plastic CD case.

Wearable computers can also be found on display in Science & Art. Leah Buechley, assistant professor at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), uses electronics and textiles to build soft wearable computers. A display of Buechley’s work allows visitors to select and see the different LED display patterns designed and programmed into the fabric.

Rounding out the exhibit is electronic artist and computer scientist Scott Snibbe who introduces visitors to the concept of the nano-scale. “Three Drops,” is a multimedia experience that allows you to move in front of a large screen and interact with projections of water at the macro, micro and then nano-scale levels and allows you to experience how the physical properties of water change at these three different scales.

See more pics of Science & Art on Flickr!

Check our tour schedule to see when Science & Art will be at a venue near you!

Read our Blog for behind-the-scenes look at this exhibit including meeting the scientists/artists featured in this exhibit!

This exhibit will be available for rent to museums and other venues across the United Stated in early 2011.