The Phoenix Bioscience Core’s Arts Committee has selected the ten researchers and ten artists to participate in the next Artist + Researcher Exhibition, bringing together some of Phoenix’s brightest and most creative minds to collaborate on a translational art piece.

The 10 researchers selected come from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, Arizona State University, Northern Arizona University’s College of Health and Human Services, TGen and ElectraTect. Their research includes cancer, immunotherapy, chemistry, molecular medicine, personalized medicine and much more.

The 10 artists all come from the greater Phoenix area and include a wide variety of artistic disciplines such as dance and film, acrylic paint, concrete, sculpture, wool and other textiles.

“The results from the first cohort showed the amazing creativity that can happen when research is presented through an artistic lens,” said Cynthia Standley, chair of the PBC Arts Committee and professor in the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. “Both artists and researchers experienced growth in their craft and many lifelong friendships were formed as well.  We can’t wait to see what this next cohort creates!”

The inaugural Artists + Researchers Exhibition included faculty from each of Arizona’s three public research universities and nine Phoenix-area artists. The nine pieces are currently on display in the Health Sciences Education Building on the Phoenix Bioscience Core.   

This year’s artists and researchers are:

The Researchers

• Amy Armstrong-Heimsoth, Northern Arizona University
• Derek Cridebring, TGen
• Evan Darzi, ElectraTect
• Johanna DiStefano, TGen
• Vindoh Narayanan, TGen
• Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
• Barret Michalec, Arizona State University
• Chad Stecher, Arizona State University
• Anne Titelbaum, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
• Frederic Zenhausern, University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix

The Artists

• James Angel
• Kim Buchheit
• Mary Lucking
• Ann Morton
• Monica Aissa Martinez
• Nicole Olson
• Jen Urso
• Zach Valent
• Charmagne Vasquez
• Suzanne Whitaker

The artists and researchers will come together for the first time on Nov. 3 for a speed-dating style meet and greet where they will spend time talking to each other and voting on their pairings. After they are paired, each team will work together during the winter and spring season to develop their piece of work. Artists will visit the labs on the PBC and researchers will travel to the artists studios as they get to know one another. The pieces will go on display during the summer of 2023. Once the pieces are finished, Phoenix-based Bentley Gallery will work with the artists and the Arts Committee on selling the pieces. A portion of the final sale will go back to the PBC Arts Committee to continue the program for years to come.

About the process

The 10 artists and researchers completed applications that were submitted to the PBC Arts Committee. The committee then voted on each category based on the applicant’s portfolio of work, their interest in the project and other qualifying criteria. Committee members include representatives from the Phoenix Bioscience Core, each of Arizona’s three research universities, the city of Phoenix, the Bentley Gallery, and other community organizations associated with the arts and sciences.