"Place: Engaging the Senses" February 15, 2007

A free lecture, presented by the UM School of Art & Design Distinguished Visitor Series.

Peter Richards
Senior Artist - Exploratorium
San Francisco, CA

Peter Richards believes that the concept of place — where we are from, where we live and where we have been — defines us as human beings. Richards, Senior Artist at the Exploratorium in San Francisco, a museum of science, art and human perception, will discuss current museum projects focused on understanding place; how understanding of one's surroundings can be translated into broader perspectives; and how his own work reflects his interest in place and its influence on human behavior. One of Richards' most notable works is the Wave Organ, which employs wave action and tide changes to create musical sounds in a series of pipes that extend down into the Pacific ocean. He also assisted in the creation of a new artist community in Charlotte, North Carolina that supports creativity and provides residencies for up to 24 artists a year.