UA Little Rock to Host Hands-On Workshop on the Science of Art Conservation

Students and faculty at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock will have the opportunity to explore how chemistry helps preserve works of art during a hands-on conservation science workshop on Thursday, March 12.

Hosted by the Central Arkansas Local Section of the American Chemical Society and UA Little Rock assistant professor of chemistry, Dr. Brian L. Walker. The workshop will take place from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in Room SCLB 458 on the UA Little Rock campus. The event is open to registered students and faculty interested in chemistry, art, and other interdisciplinary fields.

The workshop will be led by Dr. Gregory D. Smith, senior conservation scientist at the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Participants will get the chance to analyze artwork up close, learn about the scientific techniques used to study and preserve cultural objects, and talk directly with a professional conservation scientist about the field.

The session will include hands-on activities and informal discussion, giving attendees a chance to see how chemistry plays a role in understanding and protecting historical and artistic materials. Lunch will be provided at the end of the  workshop.

Later that evening, Dr. Smith will give a public lecture from 6:30–7:30 p.m. in EIT Auditorium 142, where he will share more about the role science plays in art conservation and cultural heritage research.

Supported by the American Chemical Society, the workshop is designed to introduce students to the growing field of conservation science and highlight how chemistry can be applied beyond the traditional laboratory.