Exhibit: “More Images from VISUAL”

NEWS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                    DATE: 9/08/08

CONTACT: LESLIE SCHALER, COMMUNICATION ASST., (413) 545-0162

UMASS AMHERST LIBRARIES HOSTS

“More Images From VISUAL”

Amherst, MA - The UMass Amherst Libraries will host an exhibit “More Images from VISUAL” through December 19, 2008, in the Integrated Sciences and Engineering Library in the Lederle Graduate Research Center Lowrise, Floor 2, at UMass Amherst.  VISUAL (Ventures in Science Using Art Laboratory: http://www.umassvisual.org) is an educational outreach program of the Materials Research Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at UMass Amherst.  An opening reception will be held on September 23, 2008, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. in the Integrated Sciences and Engineering Library.  The event is free and open to the public; refreshments will be served. 

The exhibit will feature 13 images selected from VISUAL’s collection, each one captured during research at UMass Amherst.  Accompanying each image will be a description, in non-technical terms, that explains the science behind the picture. Note cards featuring selected images will be available for sale at the reception.

VISUAL is based on the premise that the visual arts can serve as an effective means to educate the general public and students of all ages on the importance of scientific research in our everyday lives.  Each captivating image is a direct experimental result from research conducted on the Amherst campus.  By building on synergy between art and science, VISUAL provides a unique avenue by which both disciplines can be promoted, appreciated and encouraged.

MRSEC unites the efforts of 34 faculty members from six departments (Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Plant Biology, Physics, and Polymer Science and Engineering) at UMass Amherst, and has research collaborations and outreach programs with over 12 other institutions. The Center has been supported by the National Science Foundation for 29 years.

For more information, contact Paulina Borrego at pborrego@library.umass.edu, 545-7891, or for more information about VISUAL, contact Cathy Russell at visual@mail.pse.umass.edu, 577-1629.