Pictures: Ann Arbor Hands On Museum TechTwilight 2019 explores all the senses through science

Photos of the TechTwilight 2019 exhibits at AAHOM

"Sensory Playscape" is a shiftable play space for children. (Sarah M. Parlette)

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – This past weekend, the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum offered a re-invigorated version of its annual TechTwilight.

For the event, five interactive exhibits moved into the downtown Ann Arbor museum to showcase various aspects of science.

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On Saturday, families from Washtenaw County were invited to engage with the exhibits and contemplate the messages behind them.

"Invasive Species" invaded the lobby of the Ann Arbor Hands On Museum for TechTwilight 2019. (Sarah M. Parlette)

Created by Gene Foulk and Casey Dixon, the metal sinews and limbs of “Invasive Species” took up the AAHOM lobby. The reflective tree used over 1000 color-changing LED lights to represent the precarious positions of invasive species.

One of the three screens of "Equilibrium" at TechTwilight 2019. (Sarah M. Parlette)

Detroit-based multimedia artist Simon Alexander-Adams introduced audiences to "Equilibrium, " three video-based interactive displays that turn movement into psychedelic and spooky art.

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Children interact with the sights produced onto the moveable and touchable "Sensory Playscape." (Sarah M. Parlette)

University of Michigan professor Sean Ahlquist brought his “Sensory Playscape” to TechTwilight. Constructed with advanced textile design, sensing technology and software, the playscape creates an inclusive and sensory-responsive play space that engages neurotypical and neurodiverse children.

"A World Without Ice" is based on a book of the same name by scientist Henry Pollack. (Sarah M. Parlette)
A water drips from the ice mounts onto drums, sounds reverberate around the exhibit. (Sarah M. Parlette)

“A World Without Ice,” provided attendees with a visual and auditory space in which to contemplate climate change. Envisioned and produced by artists Michael Gould, Stephen Rush, Marion Tränkle and climate change scientist Henry Pollack, the large exhibit used photos and videos of the Arctic and Antarctic to showcase environmental impacts. Mounts of ice hung over drums that would produce sound as the ice melted and dripped down.

This exhibit will remain at the museum until Jan. 5.

TechTwilight 2019 attendees interact with "Dances with Lasers." (Sarah M. Parlette)

Highlighting a marriage of lasers, art, music and technology, “Dances with Lasers” was created by artist Mike Gould. Lasers watched attendees and followed their movements, drawing shapes and humanoid figures on a large screen.

"Dances with Lasers" was created by Mike Gould and Illuminatus Lasers teammates. (Sarah M. Parlette)

The Ann Arbor Hands On Museum is at 220. E. Ann St.


About the Author

Sarah has worked for WDIV since June 2018. She covers community events, good eats and small businesses in Ann Arbor and has a Master's degree in Applied Linguistics from Grand Valley State University.

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