For any students with an inclination towards the arts and humanities, especially those on the forefront of new and innovative mediums, there’s some exciting news regarding COS’s involvement. On May 21st and 22nd, The Departments of Fine Arts and Communication hosted a brand new “Lab for Wonderful Ideas” in collaboration with the Fulbright Scholar Program. This event, which focused on the themes of “Where Virtual Meets Reality”, and “Art & Emerging Technologies to Improve Society”, served as a possible prototype for a future emerging technologies space.

At the Lab of Wonderful Ideas, students from various fields were invited to display their works created using VR, computer software, 3D printers, laser cutting machines, and many other groundbreaking technologies. Staff advisors and artists from other universities were also present to contribute their experience and expertise. The COS Foundation also sponsored the event’s awards to “Best of Show”, “Award of Merit”, and “People’s Choice”.

This development of course wouldn’t be possible without the contributions of Dr. Ramon Blanco-Barerra (known in the art world as 233), the Fulbright Scholar in Art, Multimedia, and Social Justice who organized the event with the Introduction to Digital Art class. Dr. Blanco-Barerra has a Ph.D in Art & Heritage, two MA’s, two BFA’s, and is the first faculty in Fine Arts at the University of Seville in Spain to receive a Fulbright scholarship. He had a solo project titled “Expanded Iconosphere” on display in the COS Art Gallery from February-April.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Lab for Wonderful Ideas or emerging technologies, contact Dr. Ramon Blanco-Barerra at: [email protected]