This week on Arizona Illustrated… artists experience what it might be like to live on the Moon; University of Arizona scientists create a new type of plastic from an unlikely substance; see why people travel from hours away to collect natural spring water; Lola Torch shares here favorite things in Tucson and Herb Stratford shows us the restoration in progress of the historic Teatro Carmen!
Artists on the Moon
We are aesthetic animals, and art is integrated to what we are and who we are. So, if that is the case and if we do research to understand what we are, then why don’t we integrate art into R1 science research in universities? The University of Arizona, College of Fine Arts Associate Research Dean, Ellen McMahon and her collaborators sent four artists to an analogue space mission in Biospehere2 in their Space Analog for the Moon and Mars . In this story, we will see what happens when artists enter a space habitat, that was designed for scientists.
Reinventing Plastics
Professor Jeffrey Pyun and his team in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry at the University of Arizona have developed an advanced plastic made out of sulfur – a remarkable invention that makes use of a notoriously useless byproduct from the fossil fuel industry. Deemed the “Devil’s rock,” due to its association as brimstone, sulfur makes up 70 million tons of waste annually. Together with Robert Norwood, Professor of Optical Sciences at the University of Arizona, these new plastics have been developed into a variety of uses that include state-of-the-art infrared and night vision glasses, longer-lasting batteries for electric vehicles, and tires – among many more applications (including vinyl records!). In many cases, these sulfur-based plastics now rival traditional plastics in their application and use.
Positive Vibrations at the Fresh Water Spring
Harding Spring is a source of fresh drinking water straight from the earth. The spring is located between Sedona and Flagstaff in Oak Creek Canyon and people come as far as three hours away to collect the water. See the spring and hear why it is such a vibrant gathering place.
Teatro Carmen: Restoration in Progress
The historic Teatro Carmen, built in 1915, remains largely intact with the original theater space, the pressed metal ceiling, the proscenium arch, all in its original condition. This is the last known remaining theatre building of that era and genre. The theatre is located in Barrio Viejo, one of the oldest neighborhoods in Tucson. The neighborhood, listed on the National Register, is currently being nominated as a National Historic Landmark District. Plans for the rehabilitation of the property involve reactivating the original theatre as a 250-300-seat performing arts space and community cultural resource. There will also be an attached restaurant with indoor seating and outdoor patio space.
Tucson Top 5: Lola Torch
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