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VanGo! Hits the Road with ARTECH Exhibit
By: Tory Gates Feb. 27, 2017
A fixture across the midstate of Pennsylvania is a connector between the art world and parts of the state that don't always get the outreach. Since 1992, the Susquehanna Art Museum in Harrisburg has sent the VanGo! Museum on Wheels forth to bring art, technology, some solid science, but most importantly a bit of fun.
The VanGo! was conceived as a means to bring an underserved, rural student population. This year's exhibition, ARTECH, is a multi-level demonstration of the relationship between technology and art. "It's primarily contemporary art through living artists working in new media," says Ross Tyger, the Susquehanna's Special Events Manager.
The aim, as many museums have gone for in recent years, is to get visitors involved, physically. "We do try and keep every exhibit fairly hands on," Tyger agrees, "to give the students something with their minds as well as their hands."
Over the years, the VanGo! has leaned towards K-5 students, but older audiences also can find a lot that will appeal to them. "We have schools that call us all throughout the year," Tyger says, "I try and see anyone and everyone possible. I like the unexpected places that call us."
Among the special exhibits this year is a 3D printing kiosk, in which students can work with a DeltaGo printer. Tyger says the advent of 3D, which was invented in the 1980's, is coming around again. "These printers are becoming cheaper and more accessible to the layperson," he explains.
STEM vs. STEAM
There is an educational element that has deeper layers, one that Tyger hopes the VanGo! can make clearer, the methods of STEM vs. STEAM. The STEM curriculum is based on four disciplines: science, technology, engineering and mathematics. "There is a huge focus on career fields in those areas," Tyger says, "because statistics show the vast majority of careers over the next decade are going to be created in this field."
Art is an obvious component of STEAM education. Tyger and others are concerned that art will be forced to the margins, with the former, and sees where these can go hand in hand. He points to a Michigan State study, that showed, "students in college who had art and music lessons growing up designed more patents than other students, even in STEM fields. I think the creativity from art and music can penetrate any field, and that's what this exhibition is trying to focus on. When you get new technology and it falls into creative hands, something entirely new happens."
Booking the VanGo! and further information can be found at www.susquehannaartmuseum.org -- the ARTECH exhibit is on tour through December.
http://www.susquehannaartmuseum.org/vango-about/
http://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2013/a-young-picasso-or-beethoven-could-be-the-next-edison/
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