From dinosaur roars to X-ray paintings, science museum hosts ‘Art Dissected’ May 10
For immediate release ‐ May 01, 2019
Contact: Jon Pishney, 919.707.8083. Images available upon request
RALEIGH, N.C. — Want to learn how ballet dancers balance on their toes, see how scientific illustrators reconstruct animals from the past, or discover the secrets behind classic paintings using X-rays? On Friday evening, May 10, find out what happens when the layers of artistic expression are peeled back to reveal the science within as the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences hosts “Art Dissected.” This special event for 21-and-overs is developed in partnership with the North Carolina Museum of Art, North Carolina Symphony and Carolina Ballet.
Want a splash of color? Discover how artists through the centuries found the pigments to make the dazzling colors seen in the paintings of the NCMA’s Permanent Collection. Examine samples of the real things — as they look in nature and as they were used by artists — and give us your best guess: animal, plant or mineral? You can also meet artist Keith Norval and see him create one of his whimsical pop art-inspired oil paintings on-site. Or watch a masterpiece come alive with a canvas paint performer.
Want to see a different side of the Museum? Join Museum paleontologists to discover how a dinosaur’s anatomy determined its ability to roar. Explore artistic recreations of dinosaurs and other fossil organisms, showing the process of collaboration between scientist and artist from fossil specimen to illustration of the living animal. Observe a taxidermy demonstration by award-winning taxidermist Joshua Hussey. Examples of his work can be found throughout the Museum where they are used to educate visitors about wildlife and conservation.
Want to explore the mash-up of science and art? Dozens of unique stations will be scattered throughout the Museum. You can also learn the art of origami with artist Alexander Roa and create your own masterpiece. Watch as Micah Mullen presents iconic American landscapes broken down into thousands of contrasting shapes and colors. Step up to the barre, try on pointe shoes, and plié with Carolina Ballet. Then play a few bars on a range of instruments brought by the NC Symphony. Dance on the rooftop to a groove only you can hear in the silent disco.
Art Dissected Schedule of Activities
Food and beverages available for purchase on site. Visit the Museum Box Office or naturalsciences.org/adultnights for more information or to purchase tickets.
The North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences in downtown Raleigh (11 and 121 W. Jones St.) is an active research institution that engages visitors of every age and stage of learning in the wonders of science and the natural world. Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Sunday, noon–5 p.m. General admission is free. For more information, visit naturalsciences.org.