A new art-meets-art museum is opening in Eugene in a few months, showcasing everything from fashion to history.
The Museum of Technological Art, also known as the MTA, will open its doors in October at the Mineral Building, 132 E. Broadway. It features technological themes and high-tech artwork by artists such as steampunk artist Steve Larichia, sculptor Jude Turner, metalworker Joe Morse, and concept artist Glenn Smith.
Larichia has worked with the non-profit artist collective New Zone Gallery for more than 20 years and was the gallery's coordinator until this October, when she moved full-time to the MTA.
“Glen got a seat at the Museum of Technological Art and a lot of people thought he was going to pull out of the New Zone, but we kept going,” Larichia said.
Larichia is a key player in the new area, coordinating art exhibitions, public relations and funding before then.
Focusing on work, steampunk art includes literature, fashion, and jewelry. A great cross between engineering and science.
“Nueva Zona is a monster that I created because I did everything and I know everything, but the more the days go by, the more we want to get out and move on,” he says. "And I know that New Zone will probably have a hard time, yes, and if you have any questions, you can always give me a call."
The MTA will be just two blocks from the new Zone Gallery.
The museum presents art as art, Smith said, and hopes to introduce its visitors to the commercial and industrial aspects of art.
Currently, Larichia has his latest solo show at the New Zone, featuring some of his famous Polaroid work and his piece "Oppenheimer's Enigma," a collection of military-style dog tags, but with a different collection of items that convey a storied story. The last decade.
Smith said that Larikia had a lot of steampunk pieces at home and needed a place to go, which led to the idea of creating the MTA. The space currently consists of two small rooms. The museum is for children, adults and everyone in between, the founders said.
New Museum of Technological Art, 132 E. Broadway, currently open for viewing by appointment Steve Larchin at SteamWorksLabs@centurylink.net or Glenn Smith at GlennWSmith@gmail.com .
