Art and science share core elements: exploration of the unknown, fresh ways of thinking and a spirit of discovery, surprise and collaboration. ArtSci, an interdisciplinary platform at Boise State, embraces all of these ideas.
ArtSci gives students and faculty opportunities to collaborate and integrate art and science through Vertically Integrated Projects (VIPs), activities and special events.
The group will host its 2025 Spring Showcase from 4–7 p.m. on Thursday, May 8, in the atrium of the Center for the Visual Arts.
Each year, ArtSci selects a theme. This year, the focus is air—its many concepts and dimensions.
“A lot of my work with students this year has centered on this theme,” said Eryn Pierce, assistant professor of graphic design and member of the ArtSci group. Pierce has contributed to a campus-wide effort to reduce bird deaths from window strikes. She is also working on VIP projects that include infographics about air composition during wildfire season and the impact of wind turbines on birds and bats. “The showcase is our chance to share work from chemistry and biology and to raise awareness of scientific studies on air.”
The event will feature interactive art, science experiments and hands-on activities. All are welcome.
On a related note, Air Sense, a juried art exhibition on the theme, will be open in The Blue Galleries from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 and from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 8. The exhibition includes works that merge science and art to explore climate change, disease transmission and patterns of flight and migration.