Our Crowdfunding Groups
What is our exhibition?
Our exhibition, Oozy Rat in a Sanitary Zoo, features the work of five UT artists including Sasha Fishman, Seth Murchison, Rachel Wilkins, Tín Rodriguez, and Brooke Johnson. Oozy Rat In a Sanitary Zoo examines our human relationships with animals and what these relationships reveal about ourselves through works that consider genetic modification, natural and “unnatural” ecology, pets, nature simulations, and the study of natural sciences.
Due to the heavy influence that the natural sciences has had on the development of our exhibition, we also hope to promote cross-campus dialogue between the various science departments and the art department at UT. One of the major ways we plan to do this is by hosting an artist-led workshop and a special panel of guest speakers from various science departments within UT.
Sasha Fishman's installation for UT's class of 2018 senior exhibition, It's Not What You Think
An example of Brooke Johnson's photography using a microscope camera
What does your donation do?
We are very excited to have the opportunity to display our art within UT's Visual Arts Center. With this amazing opportunity, we want to make the best work possible. But making art is expensive! Your donation will allow us to purchase materials for the artists to use when creating their photographs, sculptures, 3D prints, paintings, and more. Donations will also go towards funding the shipment of fragile artworks, travel for artists, and special programming events that will continually encourage discussion within the Visual Arts Center.
Rachel Wilkins' proposed sculptural installation for Oozy Rat in a Sanitary Zoo
Seth Murchison's proposed animatronic centipede for Oozy Rat in a Sanitary Zoo
tín Rodriguez's proposed environmental installation for Oozy Rat in a Sanitary Zoo
What impact will this exhibition make?
Oozy Rat in a Sanitary Zoo will greatly affect the artistic careers of the artists exhibited within the show. A majority of the artists participating in the exhibition recently graduated from UT's studio art program and are currently working towards establishing their art practices outside of the university class structure. UT' Visual Arts Center is providing a very important platform for these artists to further their emerging careers. Not only are the artist's greatly impacted by this exhibition, but students within UT's Center Space Project also have the opportunity to work with artists and develop their skills in curating and fine arts management. Center Space Project's Curator, Brooke Johnson, is specifically working on developing Oozy Rat in a Sanitary Zoo as her first solo curatorial project. Your donations will allow her to better support the creation of artworks, ideas, and programming for the exhibition.
Image of the exhibition, Body is a Bridge, within the Visual Arts Center's Center Space Gallery
What is Center Space Project?
Center Space Project (CSP) is a student-run curatorial collective that works in conjunction with the Visual Arts Center and provides opportunities to UT students interested in participating in a larger artistic community. The organization fosters dialogue between undergraduate and graduate students as well as art professionals outside of the University. Members contribute their unique interests and skills to the collaborative production of exhibitions and events in Austin.
CSP releases an open call for exhibition proposals every spring semester. Oozy Rat in a Sanitary Zoo is one of three exhibitions selected to be displayed during the 2018-2019 academic year and is the only selected exhibition featuring undergraduate work.
Your $10 donation will go towards purchasing printed promotional materials such as postcards and posters. Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card.
Your $25 donation will cover the cost of one of Rachel Wilkin's 3D printed gypsum sculptures. Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card and a digital copy of 1/8 artist-designed ecological trading cards!
Your $50 donation will help buy photography supplies for Brooke Johnson including infrared film and PhotoTex paper. Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card and digital copies of 2/8 artist-designed ecological trading cards!
Your $75 donation will go towards buying installation materials for tín Rodriguez including AstroTurf and artificial landscaping decorations! Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card and digital copies of 3/8 artist-designed ecological trading cards!
Your $100 donation will help us purchase sculpture materials for Sasha Fishman including biomaterials and resin casting supplies. Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card and digital copies of 4/8 artist-designed ecological trading cards!
Your $150 donation will cover the entire cost of a train set that will be transformed into a crawling insect by Seth Murchison. Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card and digital copies of 5/8 artist-designed ecological trading cards!
Your $250 donation will cover the cost of one round-trip flight for an exhibiting artist included in the show. Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card and digital copies of 6/8 artist-designed ecological trading cards!
Your $500 donation will allow us to host a special programming event in the gallery such as an artist talk or a collaborative soundscape. Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card and digital copies of 7/8 artist-designed ecological trading cards!
Your $1000 donation will fund a special programming event featuring researchers involved in the natural sciences and a possible workshop for students. Along with your donation, you will receive a handwritten thank you card, a complete PRINTED deck of 8 artist-designed ecological trading cards, and an additional (ultra rare) custom-designed ecological trading card featuring your face artfully Photoshopped onto your selected biological body!
