COLORADO SPRINGS, CO.- Is it possible that inside every artist there is a scientific mind? Or that every scientist uses creativity in their deductive processes? The connection between creativity, exploration and invention was accepted during the Renaissance; why not today?

These questions and more are addressed by the BluePrints Project: an experimental educational program for children ages 4-13 where science meets art. During a two-day workshop, students and their adult co-conspirators (college students, artists and members of the community) explored seeds, cells and DNA, then created an artistic response using cyanotype photography, the original blueprint technology, alternative black and white photographic techniques, printing, and sculpture.

The resulting series of works include a giant hanging mobile, eerie blue photographs, and film works exploring themes of identity and environment. These artworks will be exhibited at the Fine Arts Center Modern May 8 – June 5. An Opening Celebration for the free exhibit is May 8 from 5-8 p.m.

The project was coordinated by artist Hellen Eberhardie Dunn, 2009 UCCS Heller Center Fellow for Arts and Humanities and director of Environmental Art Reflex, (E.A.R.) a local organization dedicated to find pathways for art, science an the environment to meet and interact. Originally from England, Eberhardie Dunn is a sculptor whose work ranges from public commissions in bronze and marble, to installations and performance ritual. Recently Hellen has been teaching sculpture at UCCS.

“An inclusive paradigm encouraging understanding of the connections between art and science, nature and human joy is not only desirable but necessary right now,” she said. “Redefining our relationship to the environment from one of use and abuse to one of reciprocity means creating new pathways for our collective future on this planet. This is work for creative scientists and environmentally aware artists.”

Comments from the workshop: “What an amazing production!” “Made me wish I was one of the kids partaking in this incredible event.” “I was amazed at the installation of so much material, information etc. … clearly … all were deeply engaged, and then so much work … WOW!”