SENSE what is in store for you at UICA

Have you ever wondered how art tastes? The UICA will give you the opportunity to stimulate your senses with their ArtPrize Seven exhibit that takes the viewer on a journey of the faculties that makes for a unique way to experience the creativity of six artists from around the world, even being so bold as to give visitors the opportunity to delve into the debated sixth sense.

Moving through all the levels of the UICA building, these installations give viewers a whole body experience of art.

"The Great Race," an installation by West Michigan artist Michael Peoples, gives the depth of progress by showing wax molds of rubber duckies that move upward and grow less perfect through the casting process. The smell of wax holds your attention as you observe it through the many levels of the UICA building.

"Technician 3" shows the modern side of art through the technological age with interactivity in the form of sound, sight and touch. The artist, Charles Jevremovic of South Bend, brings together the mechanical nature of art and inspires thoughts of the human touch that went into the making and use of the retired devices.

"Symphony Of Gestures" by Sara Dittrich and Benjamin Buchanan from Baltimore, MD is based in performance but also allows the viewer to interact with some of the instruments. This piece involves several musicians and include a motion sensor that is connected to a kick drum that activates with every step the person wearing the motion sensor is taking. It takes you on a journey of sight, sound, and touch as you move through the open space.

A respite area is available for rest and reflection. This space was inspired by Karl Zener, a perceptual psychologist who worked in the field of ESP, as homage to the sixth sense.

"Relic" is a piece by Tamara Kostianovsky, currently living in Brooklyin, NY,  that focuses on a bit of carnage as she uses materials from clothing and linens from the artist’s own life as well as family and friends. The different materials used can be recognized as everyday objects that we all will recognize. The center piece of hanging birds is a push to recognize the cyclical nature of life.

"This Mortal Coil" is a work by Heather Brammeier of Peoria, IL. This piece is on the open air terrace of UICA. The contrast of soft curves of colored coils and sharp lines of geometric spaces uses the natural light as well as the city to employ your senses.

Tickle your senses at UICA's SENSE exhibit Sept. 12 through Oct. 18. Who knows, you may even become a believer in the mysterious sixth sense.