For a small gallery in the heart of Medfield, Massachusetts, a big initiative is in store for the new year: a Zullo Gallery augmented reality (AR) exhibit – the first of its kind for the non-profit gallery.
As part of initial exhibit planning, and backed by a generous grant from the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund, the Zullo is now actively recruiting artists, educators, technology professionals, students, and citizens at large who may want to play a role in the initiative.
The May/June 2024 exhibit will revolve around the theme, “Travel Through Time,” and inspire artists to develop creative concepts that can be uniquely experienced through augmented reality using personal hand-held technology.
“It’s important to note that the project is open to artists and other creatives with no prior experience in immersive media, and we’ll be offering free training to help them bring their work or vision into augmented reality,” said Zullo Gallery Executive Director Bill Pope. “Of course, for artists and others already working in or familiar with AR, the Zullo project provides an opportunity to collaborate with others to create a one-of-a-kind exhibition.”
High school and college students are also encouraged to get involved, and will have the chance to be mentored by experienced artists, receive class credit (if applicable), or earn community service hours. In Medfield, for example, many 12th grade students embark on senior projects that earn high school credits. Pope sees the Zullo Augmented Reality exhibit as a fun and innovative art or technology project for a small team of students, while also providing an opportunity for them to build their individual portfolios and resumes.
An important first step in the initiative is seeking applications from creative and/or technical individuals interested in learning more via an information session via Zoom. Anyone interested in learning more about the Zullo Gallery Augmented Reality project and exploring next steps are asked to register by 5 p.m., Jan. 11, 2024 using this URL: https://rb.gy/muuqbp. (The form will soon be available on the Zullogallery.org website, as well.)
Acton-based augmented reality publishing and consulting firm, Hoverlay, is assisting with the Zullo project. Following the information session, an in-depth, in-person Hoverlay workshop will be provided. A limited number of stipends will may also be available to artists.
In addition to artists, volunteers will be needed to help plan and execute the exhibit launch, and help with a variety of other tasks. The form can also be used to express general volunteer interest.
The Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund is a professionally managed endowment created to support community-driven projects. Volunteer-run and designed to complement the initiatives of Medfield organizations, the Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund raises private funds for public good. The Legacy Fund invests for the long term while also helping to address current community needs through annual competitive grantmaking for immediate positive impact. For more information, visit MedfieldFoundation.org.
The Zullo Gallery recently celebrated its 35th anniversary in the heart of downtown Medfield. Located at 456A Main St., Medfield, Mass., the gallery offers art exhibits, art classes, live music, community events, and private rental space. More information about the gallery and its programming is available at Zullogallery.org.
