The Power of Art in Communicating Science

The Artist + Researcher program (ARx3) at the Phoenix Bioscience Core (PBC) connects local artists with life science researchers from Arizona’s leading institutions, including NAU, ASU, U of A, TGen, and Calviri. Teams collaborate over nine months to transform groundbreaking scientific research into various art forms, such as sculpture, painting, jewelry, dance, and digital media. The program aims to bridge the gap between science and art, showcasing eight unique collaborations that explore diverse topics, including mental health stigma, DNA transcription, and cancer research.

Image: Proxsea, Bentley Gallery, ARx3 First Look

Now in its third year, the ARx3 program continues to gain momentum. The 2024 cohort recently held their “First Look” at Bentley Gallery, where over 130 members of the science, art, and Phoenix communities came to view the exhibition. Opening remarks were delivered by Scarlett Spring, Executive Director of the PBC, Dr. Cynthia Standley, Chair of the PBC Arts Committee, and Bentley gallery owner, Bentley Calverley. Each team presented their artwork, sharing stories of connection and collaboration that offered a glimpse into their creative and scientific processes.

The exhibition has since moved to the Health Science Education Building (HSEB) at the PBC. The PBC Arts Committee hosted the ARx3 Deep Dive as part of AZBio Week in the lobby, allowing community members to enjoy light refreshments while viewing the art exhibits.

The Deep Dive event featured a panel with ARx3 researchers Dr. Haley Root, Dr. Allie Peckham, and Dr. Aaron Guest, along with artist Alison (Allie) Lane. The panel was moderated by Dr. Cindy Ivy, OTD, a professor at NAU at the PBC and an ARx1 researcher participant. Dr. Ivy opened the evening by sharing information about the program’s inception, committee, past cohorts, and its impact on the community. The event also served as a platform to announce the opening of the ARx4 application process.

Image: Proxsea, Bentley Gallery, ARx3 First Look

Throughout the evening, participants discussed experiences such as the “speed dating” meet-and-greet between artists and researchers, overcoming logistical challenges, and moments of awe-inspired curiosity when engaging with their partners’ work.

Artist Allie Lane, a current medical student, discovered the program while researching medical schools, noting that she looked for “aspects of the school that were interesting, and the Art in Medicine program really stood out.” She emphasized that her motivation to apply stemmed from the “opportunity to use art in a creative way for more accessible public education.”

For Dr. Haley Root, it was the painting by ARx1 participant artist Bill Dambrova that inspired her to apply. The painting, Invisible War, was created in collaboration with researchers Dr. Cindy Ivy and Dr. Gretchen Bachman. The piece aims to “acknowledge the invisible battles in the war between the person and their disease.” Mr. Dambrova generously donated the piece to the program, where it inspires researchers, artists, and students daily in the Health Science Education Building.

Dr. Root collaborated with artist Kevin Clark (KevinOnEarth) to create an “innovative solution” to her biggest challenge in helping people improve their health: low health literacy and lack of discipline. Together, they developed a virtual reality game called Dr. Root’s Health Quest: Player Totems, which encourages participants to build their own virtual wellness centers. Players progress through nine levels, each unlocking new experiences and knowledge that lead them closer to their wellness goals.

Image: Proxsea, Bentley Gallery, ARx3 First Look, Dr. Haley Root, KevinOnEarth

The audience was actively engaged, with questions that invited deeper reflection. Dr. Aaron Guest spoke about how participation in the program expanded his social network and facilitated the translation of research in the field of dementia and aging. He shared insights into the commitment required, providing a glimpse into the numerous virtual and in-person meetings, as well as email and text message exchanges.

Dr. Peckham discussed the many questions that arose during their first meeting with Allie, recalling the moment she knew “that perfection was about to unfold” during their second meeting at a café when Allie presented her with her first rendering. Their collaborative piece, Threads of Caring, tells the story of “five individuals within our greater Phoenix community who are caregivers to their loved ones with dementia,” and includes “a mirror—designed to encourage the viewer to see themselves within the context of caregiving and reflect.”

Image: Proxsea, Bentley Gallery, ARx3 First Look, Dr. Aaron Guest

The panel members offered thoughtful insights for future participants and those who appreciate both the arts and sciences. Dr. Ivy concluded the evening with an encouraging invitation for artists and researchers in the audience to apply for the next cohort.

You can visit the ARx3 Exhibition in the Health Science Education Building lobby through the end of September. The exhibit will then move to the Arizona Science Center in October, where it will remain until spring.

To learn more and apply for the ARx4 cohort, click here.


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