The Observable Universe: Visualizing the Cosmos in Art

By definition, the observable universe comprises all matter that can be seen or captured with current technologies. As vast and all-encompassing as that may seem, it still presumes a specific perspective from which all else is viewed and conceptualized—one afforded by the particular viewpoint of being on earth. Our unbridgeable physical distance from other cosmic entities, including the infinite reaches of other galaxies, has forced artists to look to observational sciences like astronomy for inspiration and employ experimental methods to conceptualize the vastness of outer space. In astronomy, there are multiple methods used to visualize celestial objects. Similarly, artists’ perceptions of the universe vary widely, inspired by a variety of cosmological models.

Drawing primarily from SBMA’s permanent collection and supplemented by loans from area collections, "The Observable Universe" explores a diverse range of artistic representations of the cosmos roughly coinciding with the ‘Space Age’ of the last sixty years. From early fascinations with space travel to philosophical questions of humankind’s place within the larger universe, the artwork featured in this exhibition reflects an enduring captivation with outer space and the mesmerizing imagery that the limitless cosmos inspires.

Spooktacular Hallow-STEAM Evening

Our spooky, Halloween-themed STEAM night is back! It’s hands-on science exploration and family fun for all ages!

Community Worship and Fellowship

Drear neighbor
Please join us in a morning of fellowship. Last week we had awesome musicians bless us in concert. It was amazing. Everyone is welcome to celebrate friendships this Sunday.
1032 E. Mason St

Teaching Artists: The Practice of Remembering

This exhibition is representative of artists whose teaching methodology is based on the process of making art as an intergenerational discussion. Our practice (whatever the form) is the ground from which the awareness of what matters -- the theoretical, political and spiritual --interconnect and emerge in conversation with the communities we seek to address and

Cup of Culture: Guava Island

In this film, starring Donald Glover and Rihanna, a young musician seeks to hold a festival to liberate the oppressed people of Guava Island, even if only for a day. Guava Island is a 2019 musical-romance-thriller from director Hiro Murai. 56m.

Special Effects: Mad Max: Fury Road

The Carsey-Wolf Center is delighted to kick off its Special Effects series with George Miller’s Mad Max: Fury Road (2015). Winner of major awards for art direction, visual effects, costumes, stunts, and makeup, Fury Road pulses with stunning design elements and unforgettable action set pieces. Set in a post-apocalyptic desert wasteland where fuel and water

Tara Westover: Educated

Spend an evening in the company of Tara Westover, whose bestselling memoir, Educated, has captured worldwide attention.

Jim Messina

An undisputed expert in the fine art of making hit music, Jim Messina’s legacy of musical genius spans five decades, three super groups, a vibrant solo career and scores of producing and engineering credits.

While acting as producer/audio engineer for Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Buffalo Springfield, Messina ultimately joined the band as its bass player. When “the Springfield” disbanded in 1968, Jim and fellow bandmate Richie Furay formed Poco. With Jim on lead guitar, Poco defined a new musical genre, Country Rock. After three successful albums, Jim was ready for a change and left to return to his passion for producing music. He signed as an independent producer with Columbia Records.

In November 1970, Columbia asked Jim to work with an unknown Kenny Loggins. While helping Kenny get ready for a record and touring, the two discovered that they worked well together and Jim agreed to sit in on Kenny’s first album. Kenny Loggins with Jim Messina Sittin’ In was released in November of 1971 and an accidental duo was formed.

Over the next seven years, Loggins & Messina released eight hit albums, had scores of hit songs and sold over 16 million albums. They had become one of rock’s most successful recording duos ever, but it was time for the duo to go their separate ways.

After a series of celebrated solo acoustic tours, Jim formed a band made of acclaimed musicians who have played with him at various points in his career. His latest release, In the Groove, includes selected hits from all three of Jim’s previous bands, as well as several of his solo works.

Kristin Chenoweth: in Concert

A wildly talented and versatile star of Broadway, television and beyond, Kristin Chenoweth commands the stage with her brilliant voice, unparalleled panache and downhome charm. A vocal powerhouse, Chenoweth won a Tony Award for You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and was nominated for her original role as Glinda in Wicked. A television favorite, she won an Emmy Award for her role on Pushing Daisiesand was nominated for an Emmy (twice) and a People’s Choice Award for her performance on Glee. In this intimate evening, the treasure of stage and screen shows off her sparkling demeanor and uncanny ability to shift between showtunes, gospel, country, pop and more as she performs standards and classics from Broadway to Hollywood.

“Ms. Chenoweth always radiates a pleasure in performing that carries across the proverbial footlights…She’s like a singing ray of sunshine.” The New York Times

“Chenoweth is the human version of just-popped champagne.” The Daily Beast

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