As an artist originally trained as a traditional bench jeweler who has converted to a hybrid digital/analog studio practice, Penn State Altoona professor of visual arts Rebecca Strzelec regularly contributes to conversations about contemporary artistic materials and methods.
On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Strzelec will visit the Arts and Design Research Incubator (ADRI) in 16 Borland Building on the University Park campus to discuss her work and lead a dialogue and workshop.
"Art + Engineering = Creative Problem Solving" — noon to 1 p.m.
Strzelec has been using 3D printing technologies in her narrative based work since 1999. Exploring Strzelec’s work as a case study, this talk speaks to 3D printing’s quick-paced trajectory while also introducing her work as a co-principal investigator on a four-year, $2 million National Science Foundation grant focused on origami and smart materials.
"Family Jewels: Redefining Future Heirlooms Through Concept and Collection" — 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
This workshop asks participants to raise the value of otherwise easily discarded, ignored or underrated things to that of rare and exquisite gemstones. After a briefing of current designers, jewelers and makers who are turning the mundane into precious, participants will be guided through a series of exercises to elevate their own found and collected objects. Participants are asked to bring at least three found, discarded, or collected objects for use in the workshop.
Workshop themes include defining “handmade” alongside of today’s technologies, how artists are creating tomorrow’s heirloom objects, aesthetic applications of scientific process and data, and ways of embedding personal narrative and history into art. Registration is required.
About Rebecca Strzelec
Strzelec serves as program coordinator of visual art studies at Penn State Altoona. She earned her bachelor and master of fine arts degrees from Tyler School of Art, Temple University, in Metals/Jewelry/CAD‐CAM. Her work consists of wearable objects which are created via computer aided design, 3D modeling, and 3D printing. Strzelec’s work is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, Fuller Craft Museum, Racine Art Museum, and the private collection of Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. Her work has been featured in many exhibitions in prominent contemporary craft galleries/venues in the United States and abroad. Strzelec is a Penn State Alumni Teaching Fellow and the 2016‐2017 Penn State Laureate.
About the ADRI
The Arts and Design Research Incubator (ADRI) provides support for high-impact arts and design research projects. All programs are free and open to the public and, unless otherwise noted, take place in the ADRI (16 Borland Building).
For more information and to view the full listing of dialogues, workshops, and events, visit http://adri.psu.edu/calendar. Connect with Penn State ADRI on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.