Fall Arts Celebration art exhibit explores the mysteries of Mars

Throughout the years, Mars has been depicted in multiple forms as societies around the world have gazed at the Red Planet.

During this year’s Fall Arts Celebration at Grand Valley, the “Mars: Astronomy and Culture” exhibit will bring together 140 photographs, drawings, movie posters, book covers and video projections spotlighting Mars. The exhibit will also include a showcase of Martian-themed toys and collectibles from a private collection based in Chicago.

“Viewers will be wowed by some of the recent images from the Opportunity and Curiosity rovers that NASA is operating on Mars,” said Joel Zwart, Art Gallery curator of exhibitions. “Their panoramic images in particular make the Martian landscape feel very familiar, especially if you’ve visited the American Southwest.”

An exhibition reception will take place September 13 from 5-7 p.m. in the Art Gallery (room 1121), located in the Thomas J. and Marcia J. Haas Center for Performing Arts on the Allendale Campus. The exhibit’s time at Grand Valley will conclude on November 9.

During the reception, guests will be able to use a virtual reality simulator for an immersive experience on the surface of Mars. The “Mars 2030” experience was produced by Fusion Media Group in partnership with NASA and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s AeroAstro Lab. “Mars 2030” allows users to wander around 15 square miles of the Red Planet’s landscape while planting a flag on the surface, picking up rocks, driving a rover and visiting a habitat. 

Zwart said the exhibit is the perfect blend of astronomy and popular culture.

“A visitor can learn about the geographic features of Mars and history of its exploration while at the same time discover how Martians have become such a huge part of science fiction, literature, film and culture,” he explained. “Where else can you engage with beautiful panoramas of the Martian landscape, ‘War of the Worlds’ memorabilia, a historic photo of the first landing on Mars, an alien drinking cup, an image of the largest known volcano in the solar system and a Mars VR experience?”

Portions of the exhibition will be hosted at both the Center Art Gallery at Calvin College and the Holland Museum. The exhibit will be on display at Calvin College through October 20, and the Holland Museum September 20-December 29.

This exhibition was curated by the Pasadena Arts Council for the Williamson Gallery, Art Center College of Design, Pasadena, California. It is a project of the Pasadena Arts Council’s EMERGE Fiscal Sponsorship Program.

For more information about Fall Arts Celebration, visit gvsu.edu/fallarts. All events are free and open to the public.

Multiple free events will occur in the Art Gallery in conjunction with this Fall Arts Celebration exhibit. All events are LIB 100 approved for students.

Curator Talk and Reception
September 13, at 2 p.m.
Visiting art and astronomy curator Jay Belloli will talk about how the "Mars: Astronomy and Culture" exhibit was created to foster an understanding of Mars' impact in societies around the world.

"The War that Never Was: The 1938 Radio Broadcast of 'The War of the Worlds'"
October 17, at 1 p.m.
This presentation will explore the impact of H.G. Wells' science fiction classic within the historical context of the infamous radio adaptation and how it continues to be popularized in film, television and music.

"Confronting the Martian: Humanity's Changing Concepts about Life on the Red Planet"
October 18, at 1 p.m.
Deana Weibel, professor of anthropology and religious studies at Grand Valley, will take an anthropological look at humanity's fascination with life on Mars, from ancient civilizations to popular culture, and explore what this reveals about societies around the world.

For more information about these events, visit the Art Gallery website.