Institute for Human Science and Culture

01/07/2022

Have you seen Dumpster Dive yet? Dumpster Dive is a site-specific work created by students in response to the environment of the Institute for Human Science and Culture’s 3rd floor atrium. Students used nontraditional materials to create their sculptures and to think outside the norms of 3-dimensional art, enveloping the installation's environment in a manner reminiscent of everyday encounters.

Students are part of the Art Installation course offered by the Myers School of Art, where they learned through lectures and studio practices about the medium, history, and evolution of installation art and its use by contemporary artists.

Open until February 12, 2022.

Image description: Multiple art installations featuring chains of plastic bags, splashes of bright paint on the wall with metal chairs featuring webbed yarn. The title of the exhibition “Dumpster Dive” can be read at the far end of the image.

Have you seen Dumpster Dive yet? Dumpster Dive is a site-specific work created by students in response to the environment of the Institute for Human Science and Culture’s 3rd floor atrium. Students used nontraditional materials to create their sculptures and to think outside the norms of 3-dimensional art, enveloping the installation's environment in a manner reminiscent of everyday encounters.

Students are part of the Art Installation course offered by the Myers School of Art, where they learned through lectures and studio practices about the medium, history, and evolution of installation art and its use by contemporary artists.

Open until February 12, 2022.

Image description: Multiple art installations featuring chains of plastic bags, splashes of bright paint on the wall with metal chairs featuring webbed yarn. The title of the exhibition “Dumpster Dive” can be read at the far end of the image.

01/05/2022

Jaw harps! Mutant heads! Bigfoot’s skeleton!

Join us for an opening reception for Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders on Friday, Jan. 28 from 4-7pm! Visitors will enjoy a free mockumentary screening followed by a guided tour of the exhibit hosted by “research assistants” of Bailey’s frequent collaborator/alter-ego Dr. Gladstone. Learn more about these wonderous curiosities from the world’s foremost Kaolithic experts!

World of Wonders was brought to Akron by Curated Storefront. Learn more and RSVP here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/opening-reception-clayton-baileys-world-of-wonders-tickets-231888774567

Image descriptions:
1: A person wearing a lab coat and pith helmet holding a magnifying glass up to their eye. They are standing next to a machine labeled “Fossil Tester” and in front of a banner that says “World of Wonders Museum”
2: A gallery containing numerous ceramic bones and documents displayed in sand and on wooden crates. A banner in the background reads “Breaks the Bone Barrier!”

01/04/2022

The Institute Galleries reopen today after our holiday break. For full schedule of our current exhibitions, visit https://uakron.edu/chp/whats-on/.

Image description: Three cow skulls that have been painted and decorated hang on a white wall in the Lakota Wiá exhibit by artist Claire Heldman.

The Institute Galleries reopen today after our holiday break. For full schedule of our current exhibitions, visit https://uakron.edu/chp/whats-on/.

Image description: Three cow skulls that have been painted and decorated hang on a white wall in the Lakota Wiá exhibit by artist Claire Heldman.

01/01/2022

In 1922 Bloomingdale's printed a message to their customers for the first time on a brown paper bag. In recognition of this centennial anniversary, we are launching a new Twitter project for 2022: every day we will tweet a bag from the Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags using #BagOfTheDay.

Find the first tweet of the project here:
https://twitter.com/ihsculture/status/1477278442571849728?s=21

Image description: Bright yellow paper bag with the word “Bloomingdale’s” running down the front of the bag in black. Logo of the Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags appears in the corner of the image.

In 1922 Bloomingdale's printed a message to their customers for the first time on a brown paper bag. In recognition of this centennial anniversary, we are launching a new Twitter project for 2022: every day we will tweet a bag from the Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags using #BagOfTheDay.

Find the first tweet of the project here:
https://twitter.com/ihsculture/status/1477278442571849728?s=21

Image description: Bright yellow paper bag with the word “Bloomingdale’s” running down the front of the bag in black. Logo of the Lee L. Forman Collection of Bags appears in the corner of the image.

12/23/2021

A friendly reminder that we will be closed Dec. 24th to Jan. 3rd - we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Happy holidays!

Image description: Postcard image featuring cockroaches as Santa in his sleigh with reindeer landing on a yellow house with brick chimney. An additional cockroach can be seen through the window in bed (presumably settled “for a long winter's nap”).

A friendly reminder that we will be closed Dec. 24th to Jan. 3rd - we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year. Happy holidays!

Image description: Postcard image featuring cockroaches as Santa in his sleigh with reindeer landing on a yellow house with brick chimney. An additional cockroach can be seen through the window in bed (presumably settled “for a long winter's nap”).

12/22/2021

We’ve reached the last evening hours for 2021: we’re open from 1pm-8pm today. Lots of exhibits to explore, including Cultural Carry-On which was created by @UAkron students in the Museums and Archives Studies Certificate.

Image description: A person in a face mask looks at a gallery wall filled with tote bags featuring artwork.

We’ve reached the last evening hours for 2021: we’re open from 1pm-8pm today. Lots of exhibits to explore, including Cultural Carry-On which was created by @UAkron students in the Museums and Archives Studies Certificate.

Image description: A person in a face mask looks at a gallery wall filled with tote bags featuring artwork.

12/21/2021

It’s a great day to explore the David P. Campbell Postcard Collection. We’re open until 4pm.

The David P. Campbell Postcard Collection contains about 250,000 postcards that date back to the late 1800s. Every topic you can think of is represented either through the images or the messages.

Image description: A collage of postcards with “Season’s Greetings” themed imagery and messages.

It’s a great day to explore the David P. Campbell Postcard Collection. We’re open until 4pm.

The David P. Campbell Postcard Collection contains about 250,000 postcards that date back to the late 1800s. Every topic you can think of is represented either through the images or the messages.

Image description: A collage of postcards with “Season’s Greetings” themed imagery and messages.

12/18/2021

Rainy days are perfect for gallery visits. We’re open until 4pm.

Video description: View of four gallery spaces as camera spins in a circle. Video has no sound.

12/15/2021

In recognition of the 100 year anniversary of the first Bloomingdale's bag, we’re launching a new Twitter campaign: starting January 1, 2022 we’ll tweet one bag daily from the Lee L. Forman Collection.

Follow @IHSCulture on Twitter for the daily #BagOfTheDay post to see them all!

Image description: Stack of grey archival boxes with labels that read “Bloomingdale’s Bag Box.”

In recognition of the 100 year anniversary of the first Bloomingdale's bag, we’re launching a new Twitter campaign: starting January 1, 2022 we’ll tweet one bag daily from the Lee L. Forman Collection.

Follow @IHSCulture on Twitter for the daily #BagOfTheDay post to see them all!

Image description: Stack of grey archival boxes with labels that read “Bloomingdale’s Bag Box.”

12/13/2021

Our thanks to everyone who participated in the Akron Postcard Club’s inaugural Write-a-Thon this weekend! Thanks to your help, we dropped off 201 postcards at the Summit County Probate Court for delivery to local seniors.

The Akron Postcard Club will be back in 2022, join us the last Wednesday of each month. More at https://www.uakron.edu/chp/institute/postcard-club.

Image descriptions:
1. A person holds a stack of postcards outside a building with a sign reading “Summit County Courthouse” above the entry.
2. A stack of 201 postcards.
3. A group of people sit at pods of desks writing postcards.

12/10/2021

Looking for Saturday plans? Why not drop by our Postcard Write-a-Thon tomorrow and send a message to a local senior? We’ll be here from 11am-1pm.

Info at https://www.uakron.edu/chp/institute/postcard-club.

Our thanks to Summit County Probate Court for delivering the postcards for us!

Image description: Collage of three postcard backs. One features a message written in a spiral, one features a child’s drawing labelled “This is Little John,” and one features dense handwritten written in two directions.

Looking for Saturday plans? Why not drop by our Postcard Write-a-Thon tomorrow and send a message to a local senior? We’ll be here from 11am-1pm.

Info at https://www.uakron.edu/chp/institute/postcard-club.

Our thanks to Summit County Probate Court for delivering the postcards for us!

Image description: Collage of three postcard backs. One features a message written in a spiral, one features a child’s drawing labelled “This is Little John,” and one features dense handwritten written in two directions.

12/07/2021

There’s still time to visit the “Magical Holiday Homecoming” at Hower House Museum - The University of Akron - enjoy self-guided tours Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. RSVP recommended.

Image descriptions:
1. Hanukkah decorations along one wall of the Portrait Gallery room inside Hower House Museum featuring gift bags with Hanukkah-themed images, a menorah, and blue ornaments.
2. Gold Christmas-themed gift bags and ornaments in the Portrait Gallery room of Hower House Museum.

12/03/2021

It’s a Postcard Write-a-Thon! Drop-in Saturday, December 11 between 11am-1pm ET and help us write messages to our neighbors. Cards will be delivered to local area seniors thanks to the Summit County Probate Court team!

Bring a friend. All supplies (and a few snacks) will be provided. Details at https://uakron.edu/chp/institute/postcard-club.

Video description: Time-lapsed video of a person writing a postcard and dropping it in a tabletop mailbox. The video has no sound.

12/02/2021

Art installation students from Myers School of Art have been busy transforming our atrium using nontraditional materials. Drop-in Friday between 4-7pm ET for the opening reception of “Dumpster Dive.” RSVP at https://uakron.edu/chp/whats-on/birds-of-paradise.

Image description: A group of students in the process of installing 3D sculptures made from plastic bags, plastic bottles, paper, and other nontraditional materials.

Art installation students from Myers School of Art have been busy transforming our atrium using nontraditional materials. Drop-in Friday between 4-7pm ET for the opening reception of “Dumpster Dive.” RSVP at https://uakron.edu/chp/whats-on/birds-of-paradise.

Image description: A group of students in the process of installing 3D sculptures made from plastic bags, plastic bottles, paper, and other nontraditional materials.

12/01/2021

Join us this Friday between 4-7pm ET for an opening reception for Birds of Paradise by choreographer Pioneer Winter. RSVP at https://uakron.edu/chp/whats-on/birds-of-paradise.

This month, Pioneer Winter will visit The National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron for a Technical Residency to evolve their work “Birds of Paradise,” a series of dance-based q***r solo portraits on themes of agency, survival, and transformation. “Birds of Paradise” honors and celebrates the enduring nature of q***r and marginalized people to shape themselves into something that is desirable, vulnerable, fierce, and reborn. This new work confronts our notions of dance by exploring movement with people of varied physical ability, body type, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and experiences. This radical assemblage of birds living in our paradise will challenge us to explore our own humanity.

Image description: A dancer wearing a gold and red flowing fabric with gold flake painted on their skin stands with their back to the camera looking slightly over their shoulder. The room is dark, emphasizing the powerful stance of the dancer.

Join us this Friday between 4-7pm ET for an opening reception for Birds of Paradise by choreographer Pioneer Winter. RSVP at https://uakron.edu/chp/whats-on/birds-of-paradise.

This month, Pioneer Winter will visit The National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron for a Technical Residency to evolve their work “Birds of Paradise,” a series of dance-based q***r solo portraits on themes of agency, survival, and transformation. “Birds of Paradise” honors and celebrates the enduring nature of q***r and marginalized people to shape themselves into something that is desirable, vulnerable, fierce, and reborn. This new work confronts our notions of dance by exploring movement with people of varied physical ability, body type, gender identity, race, ethnicity, and experiences. This radical assemblage of birds living in our paradise will challenge us to explore our own humanity.

Image description: A dancer wearing a gold and red flowing fabric with gold flake painted on their skin stands with their back to the camera looking slightly over their shoulder. The room is dark, emphasizing the powerful stance of the dancer.

11/30/2021

Graduate student Cristopher Shell has taken on many roles in the IHSC: greeting visitors, installing exhibits, organizing our collections, and founding the Akron Postcard Club.

This #GivingTuesday, support the experiential learning and career development of students like Cristopher by texting “CCHP” to 4144 or visit uakron.edu/chp/donate.

Image description:
Student in a face mask flips through the pages of a postcard album alongside the following quote: “Throughout my time exploring information, scouring the archives, and engaging with exhibits at each stage of development, the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology has been a cross-section of infinite possibility and boundless discovery... At the end of the day, this institution has, is, and will always be a constant source of light in my life.”

Graduate student Cristopher Shell has taken on many roles in the IHSC: greeting visitors, installing exhibits, organizing our collections, and founding the Akron Postcard Club.

This #GivingTuesday, support the experiential learning and career development of students like Cristopher by texting “CCHP” to 4144 or visit uakron.edu/chp/donate.

Image description:
Student in a face mask flips through the pages of a postcard album alongside the following quote: “Throughout my time exploring information, scouring the archives, and engaging with exhibits at each stage of development, the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology has been a cross-section of infinite possibility and boundless discovery... At the end of the day, this institution has, is, and will always be a constant source of light in my life.”

11/30/2021

#GivingTuesday student testimonial: Hanna Lidderdale

We blushed while listening to Hanna Lidderdale’s testimonial: we love hearing words like “support,” “care,” and family” when our students describe their work environment. That environment is made possible through donations like yours. This #GivingTuesday text “CCHP” to 41444 or visit uakron.edu/chp/donate to contribute.

Video description: Student speaking about their time at the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology. Captions available on video.

11/30/2021

For Dr. Hillary Nunn of The University of Akron Department of English, our unique collections have provided hands-on experiences for a variety of class projects. Each semester has provided a new adventure!

This #GivingTuesday, help us provide resources for faculty and their students by texting “CCHP” to 41444 or visit uakron.edu/chp/donate.

Image description: Group of students look through archival documents at tables in the Reading Room alongside the following quote: “I love a good archive. The CCHP is definitely one of those. Over the past five years or so, though, I’ve come to realize what I love even more I teaching with a good archive. Thanks to the CCHP staff, students from a wide range of English classes have learned how to work archival collections and to put them to use in their own projects.”

For Dr. Hillary Nunn of The University of Akron Department of English, our unique collections have provided hands-on experiences for a variety of class projects. Each semester has provided a new adventure!

This #GivingTuesday, help us provide resources for faculty and their students by texting “CCHP” to 41444 or visit uakron.edu/chp/donate.

Image description: Group of students look through archival documents at tables in the Reading Room alongside the following quote: “I love a good archive. The CCHP is definitely one of those. Over the past five years or so, though, I’ve come to realize what I love even more I teaching with a good archive. Thanks to the CCHP staff, students from a wide range of English classes have learned how to work archival collections and to put them to use in their own projects.”