SoFA Gallery gets in touch with nature

Friday, the School of Fine Arts gallery will open the first part of a two-part exhibition series titled "Human Nature I: The Natural World" from 7 to 9 p.m. Fifteen nationally- and internationally-acclaimed artists and scientists will display more than 40 examples of sculpture, painting, video projection, animation and sound work. The pieces will "examine scientific experimentation, biological materials and living systems," according to a press release from the gallery. \nGallery director Betsy Stirratt explained that the exhibit will be "a look at our relationship with nature." She said the first show will cover many different issues, including human ties to the environment and animals, as well as topics in health care. The exhibit will remain open until Nov. 18.\nThe second show, which opens in February, will focus more on the advances in biotechnology. Stirratt described the material as being "more science-y."\nStirratt is particularly excited about this series, since the combination of art and science is a personal interest of hers. She has worked on collecting pieces to exhibit for the past two years, longer than most curatorial efforts. Because of the extended planning period, she said she was able to bring many well--known artists with large--scale, major works to the gallery.\n"To me, this is the most exciting project we've done in years," she said.\nSeveral lecturers will accompany the exhibition, including installation artist Diana Lynn Thompson, who will speak at 6 p.m. Thursday in the Fine Arts building, Room 102. Painter Alexis Rockman will speak at the same time Friday in Fine Arts room 015. The SoFA gallery and the Burke Lecture Series have collaborated to bring University of Illinois professor Sander Gilman to speak Oct. 27.\nThere will also be a public forum Thursday, Nov. 16. Two artists and one scientist will lead a conversation on the connections between nature and art.\n"Both artists and scientists share an affinity for experimentation and a desire to forge new frontiers in their field, looking for and creating something that has never been attempted or discovered before," Stirratt said in the press release. \nAll events are free and open to the public. For more information, visit the SoFA's Web site at http://sofa.fa.indiana.edu.