Folk Artist Charlie Lucas to Lead Creative Endeavors at UA

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama’s Creative Campus is presenting “Tin Man: The Mechanics of a Heart,” a two-day interactive event featuring acclaimed Alabama folk artist Charlie Lucas.

Lucas, known as the “Tin Man,” will be in residence Thursday, Nov. 29 and Friday, Nov. 30.

UA students may meet Lucas from 9:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Nov. 30 in the lobby of Nott Hall. Also on Nov. 30, Lucas will preside over a Blitz Build in the lobby of UA’s AIME Building. Students will create sculptures from a selection of recycled materials.

UA students are invited to participate in teams of three or more or in a wild card team. Space is limited, and pre-registration is required. To pre-register for this event, visit http://creativecampus.ua.edu/.

This event is in partnership with UA’s College of Engineering and Honors College. Recycled materials are being provided by UA’s Recycling Center in cooperation with UA’s Environmental Council.

Lucas, a self-taught artist from Birmingham, creates sculptures made from discarded material. His pieces, which he creates in a workshop in Pink Lily,  have achieved both national and international acclaim. His materials include such found objects as old tin, bicycle wheels, shovels, car mufflers, tractor seats, metal-bonding, wires and gears.

In 2011, Lucas was named one of Alabama’s Living Legends for his contribution to both Alabama and national cultural heritage. Photographs of his works appear in “Tin Man,” photographed by The University of Alabama’s Chip Cooper.

Under the auspices of UA’s Office of Academic Affairs, Creative Campus is a collaborative system connecting students, faculty, and community to nurture innovative thinkers who turn ideas into action. Creative Campus seeks to serve as a hub of collaboration and creative activity at The University of Alabama. At the heart of Creative Campus is the undergraduate and graduate intern program. For more information on Creative Campus visit: http://www.creativecampus.ua.edu