A science and math-based art juried-competition and exhibit will become a part of The Next Big Idea Festival in 2011. Artist entries will be accepted beginning March 1st, 2011 at www.NextBigIdeaLA.com. All interested individuals are encouraged to enter their art. More than $3,000 in prizes will be awarded.
Science and math-based art demonstrates scientific or mathematical concepts, principles, or phenomena in creative ways. It can be created digitally using computers, be a photograph, or be produced through traditional fine arts methods including drawing, painting, pottery, fiber arts, etc.
The contest is free to enter. All entries will be a digital representation of the artwork uploaded on the contest website. Entries will be accepted through June and will be posted to a gallery on the website as they are received to allow for viewing and comment. Contest winners and awards will be announced in conjunction with the Next Big Idea Festival on September 17th with an exhibit.
A cornerstone feature of this contest will be the Los Alamos Public Schools Fractal Art Challenge, a division of the contest to give special recognition to local and area students. LAPS math and art education coordinators are working with the Albuquerque-based Fractal Foundation to introduce the fractal challenge into our school curriculum as a way to excite interest in math through creating art.
Fractal Art is a unique digital art form using mathematical formulas to create contemporary art with an amazing diversity of form, color and light. The Fractal Foundation provides free, easy-to-use software (download at www. fractalfoundation.org) for creating fractal art and assists teachers with incorporating the use of the software into a stimulating, interactive curriculum. Students will be encouraged to enter the art they create into the contest. The Bradbury Science Museum is also expected to offer workshops and demonstrations related to the creation of fractal art in the coming months.
The Next Big Idea has been established as Los Alamos’ “Festival of Science, Invention, Innovation and Discovery.” 2011 will be the fourth year for the Festival, which also features a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Student Day.
For more information about the Next Big Idea Festival or the Science and Math-based art contest, visit www. NextBigIdeaLA.com or call Los Alamos MainStreet Manager, Suzette Fox, at 505-661-4844 or email suzette@ losalamos.org.