A series of notable events at the Kemper Art Museum highlighted the impact of contemporary art and innovation in technology. On November 19, visitors experienced the largest painting by artist Mary Weatherford, titled “Light Falling Like a Broken Chain; Paradise.” The painting, created with Flashe on linen, captivated attendees and showcased Weatherford’s unique artistic vision.
As part of the Sam Fox School’s fall Public Lecture Series, a conversation moderated by Sabine Eckmann, director and chief curator of the Kemper Art Museum, featured both Mary Weatherford and fellow artist Katharina Grosse. This discussion was linked to the “Making Their Mark: Works from the Shah Garg Collection” exhibition, which includes works from both artists. The dialogue provided insights into their creative processes and the evolving landscape of contemporary art.
On November 8, the McKelvey School of Engineering hosted the “McKelvey in Action” event, where members of the WU Rocketry team demonstrated their rocket to Aaron Bobick, dean of the McKelvey School. This event allowed students to network with alumni and showcase various engineering projects. Participants engaged in hands-on demonstrations in the Jubel Hall Makerspace, emphasizing the school’s commitment to practical learning and innovation.
With the onset of winter, students enjoyed a snowy day on December 2, taking leisurely strolls along the Ginkgo Allée on the Danforth Campus. The picturesque campus was transformed by snowfall, creating a serene atmosphere for study and reflection. A WashU banner stood out against the snowy backdrop, symbolizing the university’s vibrant community.
In a noteworthy engagement with the local government, leaders in artificial intelligence from WashU participated in a hearing by the Missouri House Future Caucus. Dan Maranan, executive director of the Digital Intelligence & Innovation (DI2) Accelerator, joined colleagues Eric Fournier of the Center for Teaching & Learning and Adam Wilcox from the Institute for Informatics, Data Science & Biostatistics. They discussed the opportunities and challenges presented by AI deployment across the state, contributing to an essential dialogue about technology’s role in society.
The festive spirit continued on December 2 with the pop-up skating rink at Dr. G’s Funhouse. Students gathered to enjoy food, games, and ice skating, creating a lively atmosphere on campus. The Grinch made a special appearance, engaging with students and enhancing the celebratory mood.
These events reflect the dynamic activities at WashU, illustrating the university’s commitment to fostering creativity, innovation, and community engagement. As the semester progresses, the Kemper Art Museum and McKelvey School of Engineering continue to be hubs of inspiration and collaboration.
