Arthur Ganson

Arthur Ganson is an artist-in-residence at MIT, a self-taught engineer, and the creator of intricate, whimsical machines that gesture. An entire gallery is devoted to his works at the MIT Museum; many more are displayed in galleries around the world. Art first came to the Exploratorium to create Chain Reaction. He invited staff to create elements in the chain, each of which triggered the next kinetic sculpture. On the night of Chain Reaction, the museum filled to capacity: the staff and public were transfixed. While working as an Osher Fellow, Art also met with the teaching staff about the relationship between art and science, and explored the nature of creativity with them. In addition, Art set up a mini-exhibition of his mechanical sculpture. Even after he left, he continued to send some of his pieces to the Exploratorium for display.