TONIGHT! SCIENCE CAFE: THE MIND AND ALL IT CREATES

FREE

This edition of Science Cafe will feature a 'field trip' to view Todd Siler's exhibit at FC-MOCA. If you plan to order food, please arrive early to ensure you are ready to leave Dempsey's at 6:45 pm and walk over to the museum

Novelist E.M. Forster writes: "Only connect." Those two words summarize Todd Siler's philosophy of art, science and life, which are manifested in this exhibition, THE MIND AND ALL IT CREATES. In fact, over three decades ago, he coined the term and practice of "ArtScience" to describe the process of connection-making or integrative thinking, that is, how art integrates science (and vice versa) to better understand our world, as well as catalyze breakthroughs, discoveries, inventions, and innovations. Todd enjoys parallel playing with his passions for art history, fine arts, biology, nuclear and neural sciences, in exploring how nature connects things: creatively, deliberately and accidentally. His artworks interpret these connections and interrelates them in ways that aim to inspire wonder while challenging our imagination. They represent his unique creative inquiries into the potentially infinite meanings and possibilities of nature's connectivity: from infinitesimally tiny strands of subatomic particles to clusters of stellar matter to human neural tissue to the multilayered concepts of cities, cultures and civilizations born from our collective brains.

Todd refers to himself as a "Cerebralist," invoking the philosophy of the father of modern biological psychology, William James. Sir James respectfully regarded Cerebralists as individuals who combine the sensual and conceptual, the body and mind, the physical and spiritual. Siler describes his form of Cerebralism as 'a visionary activity of the arts' transforming all information, knowledge and experiences into new, purposeful, and useful things that enable us to realize human potential. For Todd Siler, A.R.T. encompasses All Representations of Thought, using any and all mediums, methods and tools to express and represent the human experience.

Meet Todd Siler

Todd Siler graduated from Bowdoin College in 1975 (BA in Art History and Fine Arts) and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1981 (Master of Science in Visual Studies). Siler was a Research Fellow at the Center for Advanced Visual Studies at MIT from 1981-83 and 1991-92. He received his PhD in Interdisciplinary Studies in Psychology and Art from MIT in 1986, the first visual artist to receive a doctorate from this Institute.

Siler has been exhibiting his works internationally in major museums and galleries for the past twelve years and is represented by the Ronald Feldman Fine Arts in New York City. His artworks are in numerous private and public connections, including The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, The Museum of Modern Art, The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Pushkin Fine Arts Museum in Moscow, and the Belser Verlag Print Archives in Stuttgart and Zurich.

He has written many articles and books on his work. He has lectured in North and South America, the Middle East and Near East on the history of the arts' interactions with science and technology, among other related topics. Todd Siler is the recipient of an IMB Thomas J. Watson Fellowship to Paris, France (1975-76, a Fulbright Scholarship to India (1985-86), and a Meitec Fellowship 1989-91 (awarded by the Meitec Intelligent Technology Corporation in Tokyo).

POUDRE SCHOOL DISTRICT- ARTIST IN RESIDENCE

The Cache La Poudre Middle School Music Department in collaboration with the Rocky Mountain High School Music Department would like to announce this year's Artist in Residence, jazz vocalist SUNNY WILKINSON with THE KEN WALKER QUARTET on April 15, 2010, 7pm (Doors open @ 6:30pm) at the Lincoln Center.

This event brings professional musicians to Fort Collins to work with PSD students in clinics and workshops during the school day and then perform an evening concert for the community with student groups opening.

Cache La Poudre Middle School Vocal Jazz Ensemble and the Rocky Mountain High School "Spotlight" will open this concert.

Tickets will go on sale at the Lincoln Center Box Office on March 2, 2010 for only $10 each.

Thank you Bohemian Foundation for Supporting Music and the Artist in Residence Program in PSD.

HISTORY COMES ALIVE FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH

No rights have ever come free to anyone, and the month of March is a time to recognize one particular group that achieved their own through persistence and passion. Before steps were made and laws were created to ensure equality between the sexes, women were the second class citizens to men. Things began to change in 1848 when the first Women's Rights convention was held in Seneca Falls, New York, drafting the Declaration of Sentiments which outlined the goals for the women's rights movement. It took another sixty-five years for women to get fairer wages and working conditions, and seventy-two years to get the law signed to grant women voting rights.

National Women's History Month, the month that acknowledges the efforts made by the women to get these rights, was started in 1911 when the first "International Women's Day" was held. It wasn't until as recently as the 1970's though, that the history of women started truly being acknowledged. In the 1978 the Sonoma County Commission on the Status of Women in California granted one week for "Women's History Week." The event brought the recognition needed, and schools started adding the week into their curriculum, devoting that week of March 8th to studying the lives of women and the way they've changed. Schools such as Sarah Lawrence took notice of the event and agreed to partake in the festivities in the future and support the efforts of women's groups to secure Congressional Resolution, which became a success in 1981. In 1987, the week turned to month when the National Women's History Project petitioned Congress to turn Women's History week into a month long affair. Now, for the entire month of March, libraries, schools and businesses acknowledge the fight women went through to gain rights and reach where they are today.

"History Comes Alive- Susan B. Anthony" Wednesday, March 24, 7:00 pm
When it comes to the struggle for women to vote, no name resounds deeper than Susan B. Anthony. An activist in many issues such as Antislavery, Anthony took a fearless approach when it came to calling the injustice of the world to the attention of others. Her lecturing, protests, and leading groups of women to voting booths to test the rights of women often saw her arrested and awaiting trial. She campaigned through "National Women Suffrage Association" groups and lectured throughout the country, calling all women to take a stand against being born into lives of dependency. Her lifelong fight eventually brought women more equality to men and the right to vote. Quotes from her speeches still circulate today as beacons for the importance of fighting for justice and standing strong in the face of adversity. In honor of Women's History Month, the Poudre River Public Library welcomes Annette Baldwin, a nationally known Chautauqua performer who will portray Susan B. Anthony for "History Comes Alive." Her performance will be held at the Front Range Community College Student Center on Harmony and Shields.

"History Comes Alive- Coco Chanel" Friday, March 26, 7:00 pm
It may come as a shock to some to find out that Coco Chanel is not just a perfume. Gabrielle "Coco" Chanel is a famous French designer, but one who forged the way for women to step out of their corsets and into something comfier. Coco was born to poverty, raised by relatives after her mother died when she was young, and grew up working in cafe's as a singer until she could afford to open her own small millinery shop. Her hats became popular with women, and her styles soon grew to the giants they are today. Coco was the designer to dash the negative outlook on women in pants, and adopted styles for women that could keep them casual yet classy such as wearing pearls with pants. Come hear Coco discuss her fashion theories, business secrets, the men in her life and how they influenced her work. Annette Baldwin will portray Coco Chanel, and will be held at the Front Range Community College Student Center on Harmony and Shields.

For more information, please visit the Poudre River Public Library District.

THIS WEEK ON THE BLOG...

Pursue the things that you love, right here in Fort Collins! Read more...

Or catch up on the blogs you might have missed:
-Food for Everyone! Celebrating 'Great Plates' in downtown Fort Collins
-Getting 'ARTspired' in Fort Collins: Find your inner muse
-Learning about ourselves and others through books: Book clubs in Fort Collins

Beet Street is looking for guest bloggers!

If you are interested in writing on any topic relating back to arts and culture in Fort Collins, let us know! Send an e-mail to info@beetstreet.org with your proposed topic and post date. Help us get your voice out to the community!

MEET LOCAL ARTIST LISA CAMERON

Listen to this week's interview with local artist Lisa Cameron.

Click to play...

For more info, please visit Lisa Cameron.

VISUAL ARTS/CALLS FOR ENTRY

@BEET :: stuff happening in Old Town ::

2ND ANNUAL FORT COLLINS COMMUNITY OPEN SHOW
Poudre River Arts Center, 406 N. College Ave.
March 4-26

Eighteen artists from Northern Colorado will be showing their work in the 2nd Annual Fort Collins Community Open Show at the Main Gallery in the Poudre River Art Center. This show is an open show, allowing artists of all levels to participate in a gallery show, some for the first time. Media will include oils, acrylics, mosaic, watercolor, photography. For more information please visit Poudre River Arts Center.

offBEET :: stuff happening outside Old Town ::

BELLVUE STORE ART GALLERY
Bellvue Store Art Gallery, 5032 Rist Canyon Rd. Bellvue
March 12-14

The Bellvue Store Art Gallery invites you to their monthly art show and artist reception on Friday night. Open the second weekend of every month starting on Friday night from 5:00pm to 8:00pm. A party welcomes current artists, family and friends with refreshments, good company and great local artwork! Also visit on Sat. and Sun. 10:00am to 5:00pm. For more information please call (970) 222-1475.

CALLS FOR ENTRY
Find out all of the opportunities to display your art around Colorado!

Animalia
Center for Fine Art Phototgraphy, 400 N. College Ave.
Deadline: March 16

Animals represent strength, agility, power, royalty, vulnerability and fertility. They serve as important symbols in popular culture, national identity, religion, ecology, mythology and art. The Center is looking for images that insightfully portray the diversity of the animal kingdom. With selection for this exhibition, artists and their work will be seen by an international audience of collectors, curators, art consultants and others who appreciate the fine art of photography. The exhibition is open to photographers worldwide, both amateur and professional. The Center for Fine Art Photography invites photographers working in all mediums, styles and schools of thought to participate in its exhibitions. Experimental and mixed techniques are welcome. For more information please visit Center for Fine Art Photography.

THEATER/DANCE PERFORMANCE

@BEET :: stuff happening in Old Town ::

BUG
Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St.
Through March 20

Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Tracy Letts provides a cutting-edge contemporary thriller about paranoia, conspiracy theories and twisted psychological motives. For more information, visit OpenStage Theatre.

Beauty and the Beast
Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St.
March 12-13

American Family Theatre returns with its award-winning musical of this classic family favorite. Follow Beauty's father as he is chased by wolves and faces the Beast. You're there when Beauty's love for her father causes her to become trapped in the Beast's castle. Beauty's adventures at the castle help her to discover the goodness within the Beast and lead her to the magical moment when the Beast becomes a handsome prince. For more information, visit Lincoln Center.

offBEET :: stuff happening in the rest of town ::

MY FAIR LADY
Candlelight Dinner Playhouse, 4747 Marketplace Dr. Johnstown
March 12-May 30

One of the world's greatest and best loved musicals - a classic Cinderella story with unforgettable songs. For more information, visit Candlelight Dinner Playhouse.

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE
Carousel Dinner Theater, 3509 S. Mason St.
February 26-April 17

How do you spell H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S? Fresh off of Broadway, this Tony Award-winning musical comedy follows six young people in the throes of puberty, overseen by grown-ups who barely managed to escape childhood themselves! This tuneful, offbeat and at times heartwarming show offers audience members the opportunity (strictly voluntary) to participate in the Bee, making each performance unique. This show is recommended for theatergoers 13 and over. (Weekend matinees are good for all ages) So get out your dictionaries, and get ready for an evening filled with humor and heart. For more information, visit Carousel Dinner Theater.

MUSIC/FILM/LECTURE

MUSIC@BEET :: stuff happening in Old Town ::

MUSINGS: EVENING OF ENTERTAINMENT AND EXPRESSION
f/Stop Cafe, 406 N. College Ave.
March 10 and 17, 7:30pm

Open mic poetry and music open to everyone every Wednesday evening. An evening of entertainment and expression. For more information please visit f/Stop Cafe.

offBEET :: stuff happening in the rest of town ::

A TRIBUTE TO ELVIS CONCERT
Fort Collins Senior Center, 1200 Raintree Ave.
March 13, 7:00pm

Spend a night having fun and enjoying the great music of Elvis Presley. George Gray and the Elvis Experience Band will have you on your feet dancing and remembering the best of Elvis. Tickets are available at the Senior Center and at Fort Collins' Bank of Choice locations. Snacks and cash bar will be available. For more information, please visit Fort Collins Senior Center.

LECTURE @BEET :: stuff happening in Old Town ::

SMALL MOUNTAIN OWLS WITH SCOTT RASHID
Lincoln Center, 417 W. Magnolia St.
March 11, 7:00-9:00pm

The Flammulated Owl, Northern Pygmy-Owl, Northern Saw-whet Owl and the Boreal Owl are the four species of small mountain owls found in America's Rocky Mountains. Author Scott Rashid describes the lives and ranges of these tiny predators in his newest book, Small Mountain Owls. Anatomy, coloration, vocalizations, ranges, courtship and nesting behaviors, egg laying, fledging raising, hunting habits, diets, mortality, longevity, and much more are also included. The engaging text reflects Scott Rashid's passion for these tiny owls. For more information please visit Fort Collins Audubon Society.

LECTURE offBEET :: stuff happening in the rest of town ::

PERFECT PANTRY
Council Tree Library, 2733 Council Tree Ave.
March 11, 7:00-8:30pm

This presentation will teach you how to stock your kitchen pantry and refrigerator to make the most out of a "whole foods" diet. Learn what grains, canned goods, spices, oils and fresh fruits and vegetables are the staples needed to create whole food-centered meals without making daily trips to the health food store. This program will be presented by master nutritionist, Kathy Westover. For more information, please visit Poudre River Public Library District.

KIDS/FAMILY

@BEET :: stuff happening in Old Town ::

DOG-GONE FUN SPRING BREAK
Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center, 200 Mathews St.
March 16-April 2

The museum is barkin' mad for dogs! Join us during the Poudre School District and Thompson School District spring break for special canine guests, hands-on activities and lots of tail-wagging fun. Different activities each day of the week! Mar 16 - 19 and Mar 30 - April 2. For more information please visit Fort Collins Museum and Discovery Science Center.

ANDY MASON IN CONCERT
Main Library, 201 Peterson St.
March 16-April 2

Have you ever wanted to be a pirate? Do you have cats? Do you chew bubble gum? Do you have crazy hair when you wake up in the morning? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you are sure to want to come and hang out with New Mexico-based and internationally-acclaimed children's musician Andy Mason for a lively concert experience for all ages. Seating is limited; groups of six or more must call (970) 221-6680 for reservations. For more information please visit Poudre River Public Library District.

offBEET :: stuff happening the rest of town ::

THE KIDS SHOW
FRFC 88.9FM
March 14, 4:00-5:00pm

This Sunday, 'The Kids Show' on KRFC, 88.9FM welcomes Elysia and Lauren, two violinists with the Youth Orchestra of the Rockies. This will be the first live radio experience for the two talented youths. Through the study and performance of orchestral music, the Youth Orchestra of the Rockies seeks to challenge and nurture young musicians to strive for excellence, to explore their role in humanity, and to contribute beauty to the community. For more information please visit KRFC 88.9FM.

SPRING BREAK FUN AT THE GARDENS
Gardens on Spring Creek, 2145 Centre Ave.
March 15-18

Second through fifth graders will enjoy planting their very own veggie garden! They'll learn what to plant, how to plant, and how to care for their garden by practicing in a plot in the Children's Garden. They'll get to make a garden art project for their home garden. Register in advance as space is limited. For more information please visit Gardens on Spring Creek.

FARMERS MARKETS/FESTIVALS/FAIRS/FUNDRAISERS

@Beet :: stuff happening in Old Town ::

LUCKY JOE'S ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE
Downtown Fort Collins
March 13, 10:00am-12:30pm

Annual parade to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. For more information please visit Downtown Business Association.

MOVE IT! MS AWARENESS BENEFIT CONCERT
Magnolia Music Studio, 210 W. Magnolia St.
March 12, 7:30pm-12:00am

To help celebrate National Multiple Sclerosis Awareness week, Magnolia Music Studio is hosting a benefit concert to raise funds for the Colorado Chapter of the National MS Society. "Move It!" MS Awareness Benefit Concert will feature a variety of Northern Colorado performers with all proceeds going to the Slow Pokes, a local MS Walk Team. The Slow Pokes Walk team is led by Sharyn Smith, who will be participating in the Denver Walk MS event on Saturday, May 1, 2010. For more information please visit Magnolia Music Studio.

offBEET :: stuff happening the rest of town ::

SHARIN' O' THE GREEN
Library Park
March 5, 4:30-7:00pm

5k run/walk and kids' fun run beginning at Library Park. Proceeds go to Partners Mentoring Youth, an organization that creates and supports one-on-one mentoring relationships between positive adult role models and youth, ages 7-17. For more information, including how to register, please visit Partners Mentoring Youth.

SHARE YOUR NEWS WITH RE:BEET

If you are hosting a lecture, performance, exhibition, hands-on activity, event, fundraiser or just having exciting news to share, send it to reBEET. As space allows from week-to-week, we can help you get the word out with a few simple steps:

1. First, enter your events onto the CVB calendar at CVB Calendar . Once you do this, you are automatically on the Beet Street calendar of events and onto any other calendar subscribing to our RSS feed. It's free and it links to the City website and other websites in our community.

2. Send your event press releases (with attached photo files) to info@beetstreet.org. The more information we have, the easier it is to share your news.

Keep in mind that our newsletter is prepared in advance to its release. Please send your information by Friday to have your event or announcement published in the next Wednesday's reBEET.

That's it!