PRESS RELEASE- Jumping Down a Rabbit Hole in Wonderland to Create Art, STEAM Education, And More
PRESS RELEASE – Sept 1, 2018
Jumping Down a Rabbit Hole in Wonderland to Create Art,
STEAM Education, And More
Some incredible advances in art and technology combined with education will be taking place in a local park near Houston, Texas and accessed through computers and phones around the world. Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire, Texas is home for the permanent installation of a bronze sculpture of Alice in Wonderland’s Mad Hatter tea party title “Move One Place On.’ The monumental sculpture, weighing over 6,000 pounds is complete with 150 elements hidden in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Lewis Carroll stories. Many hearing about the further adventures with the art, technology, and education are like Alice. They listen in amazement and say, “Curiouser and Curiouser.”
Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon has used a combination of traditional sculpting mixed with digital technology in the creating of the artwork. She first sculpted the scene as a small rough clay version in her studio. It was 3D scanned using the Next Engine Digital scanner, and then the design of the artwork was revised in the computer using a digital sculpting program called Zbrush. She brought each character in the Mad Hatter scene back to life as nine-foot figures using a process called CNC milling. CNC stands for Computer Numerically Controlled Milling. Synappsys Digital Services and Across the Board Creations carved Alice, her chair, and the Cheshire cat along with the Hatter, and the March Hare using CNC Milling. To understand CNC, think of a drill bit that cuts away everything that is not Alice. These enlarged pieces are milled out of urethane foam and act as an armature on which the artist can work. She and her team then add further detail on the sculpture by hand carving the foam and adding a layer of clay, before the sculpture goes through the lost wax method of bronze casting. A local company, Carvewright, joined forces with Mongeon to CNC mill the Hatter’s chair out of wood using a home CNC machine.
The Hidden 150
The sculpture boasts 150 hidden things in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Lewis Carroll stories. Some of these things were hand sculpted while others were also created using technology. For example, Mongeon scanned a sculpture of her granddaughter as a baby using an Artec scanner and then reduced it down and 3D printed it. She then embedded it into the clay as one of the 150 hidden things, because in Lewis Carroll’s story, a baby turns into a pig. Mongeon also scanned her mother’s antique teacups. She digitally enhanced and then 3D printed the cups. She cast them into bronze where they will forever sit on the tea party table. Many of the hidden 150 were created in the computer using Zbrush and 3D Printed using 3D Systems ProJet 660 and ProJet 3510. Mongeon expresses great appreciation to Interactive Copier Unlimited in Houston, Texas for also joining the sculptor on this curious adventure and providing some of the 3D printing. Mongeon and her team are now working diligently to create collectible ornaments of the 150 that are available for sale on the alicesculpture.com website.
Deep in the Heart Art Foundry, a foundry that also embraces a combination of digital and traditional processes completed the bronze casting of Mongeon’s monumental sculpture installed the inviting table, benches and characters in Bellaire, Texas, in spring of 2018.
Mongeon is adept at mixing traditional art processes with digital technology, and she has written a book on how she and other artists around the world do so. Her book
“3D technology in Fine Art and Craft Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting, and Milling” is used by vendors to help their clients understand their processes and possibilities, by academia to teach, in maker spaces, and is also in the fine art libraries of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston and the Albright Knox art gallery in Buffalo. Mongeon appreciates that her work is more than just a beautiful sculpture to look at; it is interactive and has a strong educational component, not only in literature but also in STEAM Science, Technology Engineering, Art, and Math. She speaks on this regularly and searches for others to help her create a repository of curriculum around Alice in Wonderland and STEAM that she will offer on Alicesculpture.com website.
She is also writing a new book tentatively titled, “A Curious Adventure: The Sculpting of a Bronze Wonderland Using Fine Art and Digital Technology.” It is similar to her last book but documents the making of “Move One Place On.”
THE ADVENTURE CONTINUES.
Though the monumental bronze is complete, the artist’s work is not. There is one final chapter and challenge for her new book. It is the 3D scanning of the monumental sculpture and the incredible things they have planned for those scans. You could say that in Bridgette’s Studio things get big and small not with mushrooms and elixirs but with digital technology. Alice and her friends are once again changing size.
Intertek Surveying Services under the direction of Chad Rabitoy is jumping down the rabbit hole to Wonderland to help with this next curious adventure. Rabitoy and Mongeon will be working together to scan the entire monumental sculpture in Evelyn’s Park.They will do so in two ways. Rabitoy will use GOM Tritop photogrammetry and ATOS / GOM Triple Scan III scanners using structured blue light scanning technology to capture the fine detail of each character. Mongeon will take this digital data and modify it for reproduction. The exact monumental scene will be reduced down and 3D printed as a small scene available to purchase as a limited edition bronze. Mongeon and Rabitoy may also use this data in conjunction with the second set of 3D scans.
For the second set of 3D scans Rabitoy will also be using Faro Focus hardware / Faro Scene Software for laser scanand NCTech iSTAR 360 Camera and Kolor Panotour Pro software to scan the entire scene. Mongeon hopes to use this data at a later date with the help of other volunteers to create both a virtual reality of the whole scene and an educational learning experience for adults and children. She is actively looking for volunteer coders and gamers to help with this undertaking. “What I hope will happen is that we can use the virtual reality combined with the detail scans for two purposes. First, people can visit the sculpture anywhere in the world through the Internet. Though everyone says, you have to see it in person, and sit at the table to get the full feel of the art.” She hopes to make the entire scene into an educational tool. Because of the subject of the art and how Mongeon created it, it is an excellent resource for the study of history, literature, digital technology, engineering even math. For example, she can reveal some of the 150 hidden things or some of the educational elements. Imagine in the virtual reality you click on the Mad Hatter’s teapot or read the engraving on the bottom that says “Utah 1975” and that will take you to the history of the Newell teapot. The Newell or Utah teapot is the first computer graphics created. The teapot used by professor Newell in the University of Utah even resides in the computer history museum. Mongeon, like many others before her, has hidden the Newell teapot in her art as homage to the man who started it all. Or, you click on the Hatter’s hat and learn that many hatters did go mad caused by poisoning from the mercury they used to make their hats.
“It is a joy to find others who are excited about the work and the possibilities and who want to jump down the rabbit hole with me. But be warned, ” States Mongeon. “We are all a little mad here. I relish the assistance and knowledge of others who see this magical journey and all that it holds. I have often said, you don’t know what you can do until you know what you can do, bringing on board volunteers in 3D, coding, and gaming will be quite an adventure. I have no idea where they will come from, but I’m like the white queen, ‘I believe as many as six impossible things before breakfast.’”
If you are interested in jumping down the rabbit hole to create these free educational resources or for more information on purchasing the collectible 150 or the small bronze Mad Hatter scene contact the artist at www.creativesculpture.com
Follow the artist on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bridgettemongeon/
Twitter:
https://creativesculpture.com
You tube https://www.youtube.com/alicesculpture
For more information on this press release contact Jessica Brown Bridgette@creativesculpture.com
For more high resolution media images visit this google doc. You are also welcome to use the images on this page with credit.
Lectures About Alice and Education-STEAM
These last few weeks sculptor Bridgette Mongeon has been busy spreading the word about the Alice sculpture and STEAM education. (STEAM education is an interdisciplinary approach using Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. )Houston Independent School District had in-service for HISD art teachers. One week it was at the Asian Societythe following week it was at the MFA.Though her schedule was hectic and the
HISD art coordinator said she should pick one, she volunteered for both weeks. “Any time I can get teachers excited about STEAM education, and I can squeeze it into my schedule I’ll do it.” States Mongeon.
Of course a Bridgette was delighted to sign her book “3D Technology In Fine Art and Craft:Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting, and Milling.”
Channel 8-Houston PBS visits the sculpture- Move One Place On.
Follow Along on Instagram and Twitter
There are lots of visits to the sculpture these days and tons of interaction. Did you know that Bridgette Mongeon is also on Instagram and Twitter?
The links to Bridgette’s social media are on the side bar of this blog or if you are on your phone they will be at the bottom of the page. But for convenience the links are also in this post. Come follow us and keep abreast of what is happening in Wonderland.
Write A Review Of The Sculpture On YELP
If you get a chance go to Yelp. Upload pictures of you and your family at the sculpture. Take selfies, have a great time, be creative and then write a review of your opinions of the Houston landmark.
The Love and The Story Behind the Mad Hatter Character.
I put together this video last night to show the story behind the Mad Hatter Character. Can’t wait to share more.
Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon is Nominated by TEA
On the day of the opening of the sculpture April 21st Bridgette Mongeon was notified that she has been nominated as a “Woman that serves the Texas -gulf-coast community with grace and fortitude” by the Texas Tea Affair. Then she received the email below. There is an invite to the tea and take note, there is a discount on tickets for her guests. In light of that, she posts this here asking, “Does anyone want to come to a tea?”
She has been told all nominees are recognized at the tea. What a fun event to have at the park with a celebration of Bridgette’s Mad Hatter Tea Party sculpture “Move One Place On.”
Dear Mrs. Mongeon, The 14th Annual Texas Tea Affair will be held on Sunday, May 6th, 2018 at Evelyn’s Park.
Congratulations on being selected as a recipient of the 2018 Community TEA award, honoring women that have served the Texas gulf-coast community with the grace and fortitude that TEA reflects.
You have shown true leadership, having:
- Delivered real business impact or community outreach
There is no doubt that the new sculpture “Move One Place On” has created a community impact. - Used self-belief to rise above adversity and reach their goals
Many do not know the hardships that have taken place over the last few years for Bridgette Mongeon both in business and in life. From the loss of her daughter’s home to a house fire in February 2017 to the insolvency of a vendor on the project in April 2017. The family is still waiting to move into their home from the fire, and the insolvency left more than a trickle-down effect for the artist. She described it as more of a deluge. Though the trials have been difficult ones, Bridgette claims it has made her into a stronger person, a better businesswoman with a stronger belief in herself. She has learned to, evaluate a situation from the worst possible scenario, embrace the difficulty with much prayer and use it as a learning experience to become a better person and grow in business. “When you come so close to losing your loved ones, it really does put the rest of life into perspective,” the artist declares. As a writer, she is working on sharing her tools of rising above the difficulties in a new book titled “The Zen of Business and Carving a Creative Life.”She states, “If I can help just one person get through their experiences, it is worth it.” - A veteran in your field, displaying sound management and acumen
With over 30 years of experience as a businesswoman, writer sculptor and mentor it is easy to see how this criterion fits the artist. - Mentored and inspired others striving for success
This Bridgette has in spades, or should we say “hearts.” She has strived to make the sculpture “Move One Place On” more than just a great piece of art to look at, but she has strived to create an interactive experience. Through the 150 hidden objects and the sculpture she does something that is dear to her heart, She encourages literacy. By exploring the digital technology and Encouraging STEAM ( Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education through the art, she brings the art further in encouragement for others. She is providing and working on free tools, videos and other future learning resources that she offers schools, parents, and libraries. She uses her knowledge combined with her desire to inspire and educate. She does all of this on her own time, without expecting a reward. To subtly encourage learning in others, while having fun is her goal. Even the creation of the art is completed with the use of paid interns in her studio. Emerging artists who not only have ownership in a piece and an installation but a tremendous learning experience and memories to share behind the “curious adventure.”
Awards will be given at the 2018 Texas Tea Affair on May 6th in Bellaire, Texas (610/Bellaire Blvd). A complimentary ticket will be reserved for you. Honoree tables may be decorated by your staff/party to celebrate the day (see below) and discount $49 tickets are available for your guests. This unique afternoon tea benefits the WestburyCARE Shelter offering support to unwanted pets in southwest Houston. Each year, the Tea Affair provides an afternoon of fun, fashion, food, fellowship, invigorating speakers, tea and ornamented, themed tables to the Greater Houston community while celebrating leaders in our community.
The 2018 class (nominated online by their peers):
Bridgette Mongeon- Houston bronze sculpture artist
Rose Ann Cook- Owner, Quilters Emporium
Chef Kiran Verma- Owner, Kiran’s Restaurant
Delsie Stoute- Director, Precinct One Senior Programs
Donna Cole- CEO, Cole Energy
We encourage guests to wear hats and fascinators to the tea. The afternoon will include a full lunch, scones, desserts, exotic teas, tea cup exchange and vendor market. In deep appreciation for your service, we look forward to this years garden party and encourage your attendance.
Top praises for continuing to give back and serve humbly,
Lee Garcia,
President
TEAinTEXAS
TexasTeaTravel.com
__________________________________
If any of Bridgette’s friends wants to be table hostess and decorate their table, the following has been provided.
TEAinTEXAS presents 2018 TEXAS TEA AFFAIR The 14th Annual Event Honoring Local Women Leaders TEXASTEATRAVEL.com Facebook.com/texasteaaffair
You may use a theme for your table.
Hobbies, reading and gardens make wonderful tablescapes.
Overall 2018 party theme at the affair is the 1940’s era.
Provided by Table Hostess
8 party favors for guests
8 place cards (if your table has open seating, a guest list will be provided by June 5th)
1 centerpiece 2 teapots Name your Table
A brief summary of your table inspiration. (2-3 sentences for event program)
Optional- Table decorations such as props, ornaments, frames, etc. (Please keep decorations below 2 ft high.)
Optional- Teapot warmers or cozies
8 napkin rings 8 placemats or doilies
8 chargers
Kindly do not decorate chairs.
1 creamer Provided by Venue
8 dinner plates 8 water glasses
8 sets of flatware (forks, knives & spoons)
8 napkins and 1 tablecloth (white)
1 sugar/sweetener container 1 lemon plate Menu/program at each seat
Provided by Guests Each guest brings their own tea cup to exchange. Contact Penny Ward – Table Coordinator for any questions itsanaffairoftheheart@yahoo.com TABLE DECOR
Did You Know?
Mad Hatter Tea Party Sculpture
#MoveOnePlaceOn
www.alicesculpture.com facebook.com/Findingalicesculpture
WEIGHT: The sculpture weighs approximately 6,000 lbs.
SCULPTOR: Bridgette Mongeon lives in Houston Tx. Her studio is near the Heights.
TITLE: MOVE ONE PLACE ON Move One Place On is what the Hatter says in chapter seven. The artist encourages visitors, when the table is full with guests, to stand up and shout “I want a clean cup, Move One Place On,” and everyone will change places. It’s a good way to get into Alice’s seat.
HIDDEN OBJECTS: There are 150 hidden objects in the scene. Be sure to look behind the book pedestal and under the table. There are 60 things under the dining table alone. The 150 are hidden in honor of the 150th anniversary of the story of Alice In Wonderland. There is no master list of the 150. This is on purpose. The artist wants you to “be curious”, and read the stories by Lewis Carroll. She hopes to promote literacy and encourage exploration. What can you find? She will begin to reveal the 150 hidden things in rhyme and riddle from her social network. Bridgette Mongeon on Instagram, Sculptorwriter on Twitter. You can find all social media links at www.alicesculpture.com The artists is now making collectibles of some of the hidden 150. These are for sale.
DETECTIVE BOOKS:Families can download a free printable detective book so they can follow along with the artist and record their findings. For each item, you must know: 1. What is it? 2. Where is it in the sculpture? 3. Where is it in the story? 4. What significance is it to the author, original illustrator or the sculptor?
MATERIAL: The sculpture is bronze, made in the lost wax method of bronze casting. Bridgette’s book 3D Technology In Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting, and Milling describes this process, and is available on Amazon as well as at this event.
HOW WAS IT CREATED? The artist based the work off of the original Lewis Carroll stories and John Tenniel illustrations. She uses both traditional sculpting and digital technology. She demonstrates some of the process in her book. Alice and her friends got big and small not with elixirs and mushrooms, but in Bridgette’s studio they did this with digital technology. Video and process writings can be found at alicesculpture.com and FindingAliceSculpture on Facebook. The artists will add educational material focusing on literature and (STEAM) Science, Technology Engineering Art and Math, for parents, schools an libraries.
DID YOU KNOW? It does not matter where you sit at the table, a character will interact with you. This was done on purpose. The scene is not complete until the table is full.
IS THIS A ONE OF A KIND? Yes, it is a one of a kind, permanent installation, however the artists will be making a table top bronze versions. These will be available for purchase. Inquire at www.alicesculpture.com
WHO COMMISSIONED THIS? The Rubenstein purchased this land that was once Teas Nursery and gave it to the city of Bellaire. They reserved a portion of it for a memorial garden to honor their mother, Evelyn. Alice and her friends are placed in Evelyn’s Memorial Garden.
WHO CAME UP WITH THE IDEA? The artist began to create several design ideas when she heard a sculpture might be needed for the park. The client originally wanted Evelyn in the park. Bridgette was already working on a sculpture of Evelyn for the Evelyn Rubenstein Jewish Community Center. The landscape designers suggested the Rubensteins see the Alice In Wonderland sculpture in Central Park and they brought pictures back to show Bridgette. When she discovered the Alice In Wonderland was in the public domain, she put together sketches and presented them to the family.
HOW LONG DID IT TAKE? ´ It took nearly six years to complete, but the first three years Bridgette worked while she waited for the client to commit. ´ The contract with the park was signed in 2015 just a week after the 150 anniversary of the story of Alice in Wonderland. ´ Bridgette completed the sculpture in stages and sent it to the foundry for casting in bronze. The last of the molds left her studio in November 2016. What you see in the park, the artist and her interns sculpted feverishly for a year and a half to create. ´ The sculpture was originally being cast at Shidoni Foundry in NM but was moved in April 2017 to Deep in The Heart Art Foundry (DITH) in Bastrop, TX. ´ DITH delivered the sculpture on a flatbed truck uncovered. It came down I-10 during rush hour traffic, April 9th, 2018.
DID THE ARTIST HAVE HELP? Bridgette uses interns in her studio all of the time. They work in various capacities, and most are paid. There were many people who had a hand in helping with this project from artists, models for reference, armature builders, 3D scanners, photographers, mold makers, and more. Some stayed for the entire project, some only came for a day. The www.alicesculpture web site will have information on some who participated. Assistant-Caroline May, Lead Intern-Allison Gonzalez. Others- Riane Belgau, Austin Bernard, Becky Burkett, Paóla Isabel Chavez, Mark Eberly, Kate Furgason, Ainsley Furgason, Johannes Huber, Jeremy Jap, Gabby Martinez, David Morris, Vicki Parker, Johnny Rojas, George Russell, Shirley Scarpetta, Jacob Simms, Bill, Christina and Issa Sizemore, Kaijah Ward, Catrina Williams. Thank you all.
ANOTHER WONDERLAND CHARACTER? Some neighbors have expressed an interest in having one more sculpture placed on the Bellaire median or a neighboring yard. The sculpture would be of a large White Rabbit with his watch, running down Bellaire. You can imagine him shouting, “I’M LATE,” as he points in this directions and runs to this marvelous tea party. Anyone know someone interested in backing such a project?
COMPANIES TO THANK: Thanks to the Interactive Copier for 3D printing buttons and Bridgette’s mom’s antique teacups for the table. Thank you to Party Boyfor providing costumes for the Mad hatter to use as a reference, Nicholas Bocci and Smart Geometrics for 3D scanning, and Dunagroup for donating foam for the table and pedestal. Synappsys Digital Services and Across the Board created the computer numerically controlled milling of the figures. Carvewright created the CNC of the Mad Hatter’s chair.
Educational Material Needed
Sculptor Bridgette Mongeon wants her sculpture “Move One Place On” to be more than just a nice piece of art for which one can enjoy. She wants the art to be interactive and educational. “Move One Place On,” has become a tool for Bridgette to use in educating other in such things as literature and history, but more than that it is also a tool for STEAM education. She was the keynote speaker at the Texas Art Educators Conference on the topic of STEAM education in the studio and in Wonderland STEAM education is the interdisciplinary use of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math.
Bridgette has spoken to young students on Math and Science as it pertains to the sculptures in her studio and Wonderland., and offered some free materials for parents, libraries and students. She will be developing more free online material and hopes to create a collective list for other parents, teachers librarians, and homeschoolers to use. And of course her book 3D Technology In Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Milling talks about the processes Bridgette used in her studio to create art. She used the same processes to create “Move One Place On” and is completing a book on this.
If you know of any material or books for any age that you think should be on this list or that others might be willing to share, please contact the artist.
Let’s use this art and curious adventure to create educational opportunities for all.
Media Week/Month in The Park
Now that the sculpture is installed, media week/month begins. Here are a few pieces of recent coverage as well as some personal Facebook live videos from both the artist and the hosts. Media week/Month continues. The sculpture is not only an incredible piece of art to look at; but it is also an educational tool that encourages literacy and with the artists help the art supports the education of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. You will soon see more segments. And because the artwork and artists have a broader outreach such as STEM AND STEAM education and the marriage of art and technology the reach is wider than local. She uses the same mix of art and tech as in her book 3D Technology In Fine Art and Craft: Exploring 3D Printing, Scanning, Sculpting and Millingand she is not done. Wait until you see what else is down this rabbit hole.
CW39- Posted April 14th
Mongeon reports that working with CW 39 was special because her granddaughter woke up very early and participated. Later they put up all of the live segments for others to see. Alice in Wonderland Tea Party life-size sculpture in Evelyn’s Park Conservancy Maggie in the morning did a live Facebook in between takes. The sculptor Bridgette Mongeon turned the tables and interviewed Maggie on Facebook live.
NBC affiliate KPRC- April 10, 2018
KHOU came out and created a segment
“Alice in Wonderland’ tea party sculpture installed at Evelyn’s Park in Bellaire”
CBS Affiliate KHOU – April 10, 2018
KHOU came out and created several segments for the morning news. The only one saved and put up on the internet is“Life After Harvey: New sculptures installed in Bellaire Park” While waiting between segments the artist did a live Facebook interview with Sherry Williams, though it was so dark the video quality leaves something to be desired.
Fox April 9- 2018 FOX Bayou City Buzz – Evelyn’s Park
The News Edge Reporter CoCo Dominguez created a wonderful segment showing lots of video of the installed art.
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Houston Chronicle – April 17, 2018 Park Debuts Sculpture, Celebrates first year
The Buzz Magazines – April 16, 2018 Tea Time in the Park Alice in Wonderland at Evelyn’s Park
Houstonia Magazine– April 6 2018 An Interactive Alice In Wonderland Sculpture Arrives at Evelyn’s Park
The Buzz Magazine—Feb 2017 Taking Time To Read
Video Media often meets early like 5:00 a.m. early. There is sometimes a lot of waiting and This something happened in the aritsts studio when the main figures were complete. in April of 2016 before they were sent off to the foundry Much thanks goes out to Erin Woosley of On the Mark Communications who has done such a great job in securing media on the project.
PERVIOUS MEDIA
This was not the only media week. The media attention started when the project started. Take a look at some previous promotion of the project. Some from as far away as Italy.
TELEVISION
Houston PBS—April 2016 Arts Insights.
CW 39 Street Stories—Feb 2016 Houston artist creates a wonderland of sculptures
KHOU—Feb 2016 Alice in Wonderland Coming to Evelyn’s Park
ABC 13- Houston—Feb 2016 Houston City Parks “Hidden Gems”: Inside Some Must-See Green Spaces.
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Local Houston—Aug 2016 Down the Rabbit Hole Evelyn’s Park Sculpture Brings a Classic to Life.
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Leader—July 13 Leader area sculptor goes down the rabbit hole
Houston Chronicle—March 2016 Whimsical Sculptures Make Evelyn’s Park Home
The Buzz Magazine—March 2016- Evelyn’s Park Updates: Foundation, Naming Contest and Sculpture
Houston Chronicle—July 2015 New sculpture for Evelyn’s Park will bring ‘Alice in Wonderland’ to life.
Jewish Herald Voice—July 2015 Right out of Alice in Wonderland
Culture Map–July 2015 Down the rabbit hole: Evelyn’s Park goes mad for Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland
Glasstire—July 2015 The Boston Tea Party or the ad Hatter Tea Party
3D Printing Industry—July 2015 3D Technology is a Trip Down the Rabbit Hole for Artist Bridgette Mongeon
PODCASTS
3D printing Sculpture Through The Tech Looking Glass