Beneath the Surface to feature photography lecture, art exhibit
Beneath the Surface to feature photography lecture, art exhibit
Dixie State University is highlighting the expertise and work of DSU Assistant Professor of Art Alex Chamberlain in Beneath the Surface, an event featuring a lecture on nighttime photography as well as an art exhibit and auction.
Sponsored by Dixie State’s Community Education program in partnership with Sarah Young's Come for the Sun, Stay for the Stars and held in conjunction with the inaugural Southwest Astronomy Festival, Beneath the Surface is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 in the Eccles Concert Hall on the DSU campus.
In his presentation, Chamberlain will address the importance of protecting and documenting the night skies, as 80 percent of the children born now in the United States will never experience enough darkness to see the Milky Way.
“Sanctuaries of darkness like Arches National Park become so much more than just a novelty when we realize that the next generation may never be able to see truth of our galaxy staring boldly back at them or ponder the questions that it would raise in their souls,” Chamberlain said. “Utah’s parks have the darkest night skies in the United States, but even they are beginning to show the encroachment of urban light domes on their horizons. My sense of gratitude for these protected places is tempered with a sense of alarm at the rapid invasion of irresponsible lighting schemes.”
Furthermore, Chamberlain adds, gazing upon the same night skies that early civilizations saw not only reminds him of his place in the grand scheme of life, but being immersed in darkness also has health benefits.
“It has been proven that people, animals and even nature itself all have a need for true darkness,” he said. “Our circadian rhythms are timed to it, our mental health leans on it, and I think the truth of it serves to remind us that we are only transitory stewards of our family legacies, our planet, and even the matter that makes up our bodies. The night sky is important. To me. To everyone."
The event will feature the largest collection and sale of Chamberlain’s artwork in one place. Additionally, a never-before-seen photography print will be unveiled as part of the auction. Other items to be auctioned off include three private guided excursions with Chamberlain to exclusive locations ideal for photography. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase three different 8-by-12 inch signed prints of Chamberlain’s work for $10 each. The auction will benefit efforts that raise awareness to the importance of protecting the dark night skies.
Beneath the Surface also will feature a special appearance by local musician Nick Chamberlain, who will perform a new original song he wrote about southern Utah.
Tickets are $8 in advance and are available online at dsutix.com, over the phone at 435-652-7675 or in person at the DSU Box Office in the Eccles Fine Arts Center Concert Hall on the Dixie State University campus. Tickets also are available the day of the event at the door for $10 each.
For more information about Beneath the Surface, visit ce.utahtech.edu.
Dixie State University is highlighting the expertise and work of DSU Assistant Professor of Art Alex Chamberlain in Beneath the Surface, an event featuring a lecture on nighttime photography as well as an art exhibit and auction.
Sponsored by Dixie State’s Community Education program in partnership with Sarah Young's Come for the Sun, Stay for the Stars and held in conjunction with the inaugural Southwest Astronomy Festival, Beneath the Surface is set to take place at 6 p.m. on Sept. 22 in the Eccles Concert Hall on the DSU campus.
In his presentation, Chamberlain will address the importance of protecting and documenting the night skies, as 80 percent of the children born now in the United States will never experience enough darkness to see the Milky Way.
“Sanctuaries of darkness like Arches National Park become so much more than just a novelty when we realize that the next generation may never be able to see truth of our galaxy staring boldly back at them or ponder the questions that it would raise in their souls,” Chamberlain said. “Utah’s parks have the darkest night skies in the United States, but even they are beginning to show the encroachment of urban light domes on their horizons. My sense of gratitude for these protected places is tempered with a sense of alarm at the rapid invasion of irresponsible lighting schemes.”
Furthermore, Chamberlain adds, gazing upon the same night skies that early civilizations saw not only reminds him of his place in the grand scheme of life, but being immersed in darkness also has health benefits.
“It has been proven that people, animals and even nature itself all have a need for true darkness,” he said. “Our circadian rhythms are timed to it, our mental health leans on it, and I think the truth of it serves to remind us that we are only transitory stewards of our family legacies, our planet, and even the matter that makes up our bodies. The night sky is important. To me. To everyone."
The event will feature the largest collection and sale of Chamberlain’s artwork in one place. Additionally, a never-before-seen photography print will be unveiled as part of the auction. Other items to be auctioned off include three private guided excursions with Chamberlain to exclusive locations ideal for photography. Guests will also have the opportunity to purchase three different 8-by-12 inch signed prints of Chamberlain’s work for $10 each. The auction will benefit efforts that raise awareness to the importance of protecting the dark night skies.
Beneath the Surface also will feature a special appearance by local musician Nick Chamberlain, who will perform a new original song he wrote about southern Utah.
Tickets are $8 in advance and are available online at dsutix.com, over the phone at 435-652-7675 or in person at the DSU Box Office in the Eccles Fine Arts Center Concert Hall on the Dixie State University campus. Tickets also are available the day of the event at the door for $10 each.
For more information about Beneath the Surface, visit ce.utahtech.edu.