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 Jomo and Adis selected to be part of Designs for Life exhibit ...
Annual observance of African-American achievement features “Designs for Life” industrial design exhibit
January 12-February 28, 2007
On January 12, 2007, the
Museum
of
Science
and Industry will open Designs for Life,
an interactive exhibit that explores the creative and technical field
of industrial design and the achievements of African-American
designers. The exhibit will open as part of the Museum’s annual Black
Creativity celebration—a six-week program that highlights the
achievements and heritage of African Americans—and guests will be able
to explore the history, present and future of industrial design, while
learning about the challenges and rewards of this often
under-appreciated career.
Industrial design focuses on the appearance and functionality of
manufactured products. In creating new products, designers must
consider user needs, aesthetics, production processes and business
strategies. Designs for Life
will showcase how industrial designers are creative problem-solvers and
will allow guests to discover the “design stories” of products that
impact our daily lives. From cars to cell phones, toys to athletic
shoes—designers add comfort, beauty, safety and fun to products that
surround us.
The exhibit will showcase more than 30 pioneering and emerging
African-American designers with biographies, video interviews and
product displays. Some of these designers include Ralph Gilles of
DaimlerChrysler; Wilson Smith of Nike; Lamont Morris of Hasbro; Crystal
Windham of GM; and Charles Harrison, who designed hundreds of products
during his decades-long career at Sears, Roebuck & Co. Interactive
activities in the “Design Lab” will encourage guests to try their hands
at designing an athletic shoe, completing automobile concepts on
computers, and creating and testing their own chair. Educational and
career-path information will be available for tomorrow’s aspiring
designers.
“Industrial design is a career field that is not often recognized, but
industrial designers make the products that we use everyday easier to
use, more effective and more pleasing to the eye,” said Ricky Penick,
chair of the 2007 Black Creativity program. “It’s truly a career that
blends science, technology, business, creativity and artistry. We hope
this exhibit will inspire children to learn about, investigate and
pursue this rewarding field.”
The Museum’s annual Black Creativity celebration highlights the
contributions of African Americans and encourages deeper interest in
black culture and heritage. Designs for Life will
run through February 28, 2007, and be supported with programming that
includes a juried art exhibition (open for the duration of the
exhibit), a symposium, and cultural performances and educational
workshops that highlight the best of African-American achievement.
Chicago-area students will also participate in a career bowl that will
introduce them to a breadth of employment opportunities and career
paths, while earning them cash prizes for their schools. In addition,
the annual Black Creativity black-tie gala, held January 27, will raise
money to support future programming. The Black Creativity program’s
principal sponsor is Citibank.
The Black Creativity program, which began in 1971, presents exhibits
and related programming that recognize African-American achievements.
Over the years, the Museum, working in conjunction with an advisory
committee of black community leaders, has presented exhibits exploring
agriculture, medicine, film, aviation, music, architecture and other
topics from the perspective of African Americans.
About The Museum of Science and Industry
The Museum of Science and Industry's mission is to inspire the
inventive genius in everyone by presenting captivating and compelling
experiences that are real and educational. The Museum is supported in
part through the generosity of the people of Chicago
through the Chicago Park District.
Location:
57th Street
and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago
, IL
The Museum offers indoor parking and is accessible by CTA and Metra
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