UTSA ArtSpace

Tomorrow, Sunday, June 5, at 12 noon slt, will be the grand opening of the new ArtSpace UTSA, curated by constructivIST Solo. The ArtSpace gallery, situated on the UTSA (University of Texas at San Antonio) sim, "is a reconnection of UTSA's virtual campus with the SL arts. The full sim is an educational area, with art interwoven throughout," explained constructivIST as she showed me around. Although the UTSA sim describes itself as a "virtual exploration of interdisciplinary and culturally situated STEM education," the region is now an excellent example of STEAM, transforming the mantra of science, technology, engineering and math into one that embraces art and design.

The initial ArtSpace gallery exhibit features works by Rebeca Bashly (right side, image above), Igor Ballyhoo (detail, lowest image), Eupalinos Ugajin (detail, image below), Ini Inaka (left side, image above) and Bryn Oh (detail, top image), and will be on display through July, when another two-month exhibition will be presented. It's essential to view many of the artworks (especially Bryn's, which has special instructions) with advanced lighting model enabled.

The UTSA sim surrounding the gallery, while not new, is undergoing substantial redesign, guided in large part by Igor and Rebeca. "They are the creative spirit behind just about everything you see here," constructivIST said. "They are amazing — we are incredibly fortunate. The large 'DNA' structure is a longterm project for us." Elsewhere on the sim, and in addition to works by Igor and Rebeca, are creations by Artée (Artistide Despres), Sasun Steinbeck and Afrika Burton.