Artful Science Now in DC

To commemorate the 40^th anniversary of art and science fellowships sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), 16 artists – including two from RISD ­– are showing policy-related projects at the AAAS Art Gallery in Washington, DC, through September 20. Called The Art of Science Policy, the exhibition focuses on how art and design can enhance our understanding of the policy dimensions of science.

Ryan Murphy 15 ID is showing Know, his all-in-one travel tool for the blind, which acts as a laser walking cane (to replace the more cumbersome old-school walking cane) while providing a braille-to-voice reader that makes it easy for blind travelers to check flight and gate information in crowded airports. Ryan is also a 2013 Maharam STEAM Fellow, meaning he’s doing a funded internship this summer – in his case, with the World Economic Forum – to bring art and design thinking to government and nonprofit organizations.

Recent grad Samantha Dempsey 13 IL is presenting her Maharam STEAM Fellowship project from last summer – a kit she developed at the Mayo Clinic Center for Innovation to encourage improved communication between patients and medical professionals. Currently in limited use, the kit includes image cards, positive and negative stickers and other familiar, board game–like accouterments that prompt patients to create visual maps and diagrams to better explain certain issues.