The Great Calculation: Machine Drawing & Dissection Workshop

Mark Glusker and Maria Mortati present projects focused on their collection of vintage calculating machines

The Great Calculation: Machine Drawing & Dissection Workshop

Early calculators were unwieldy, noisy, smelly machines that required constant maintenance. Local mechanical engineer Mark Glusker collects them and museum exhibit designer Maria Mortati explores them. They will be in residence at SoEx to provide a series of lectures, interactive performances, workshops, and an exhibition focused on mechanical calculating machines. Work created by workshop participants will be on display along with the calculators Wednesday through Saturday.

Wednesday, April 10, 2013, 7:00 – 9:00 PM: The Great Calculation Machine Drawing and Dissection Workshop
Along with musical accompaniment, workshop participants will take apart the dense, complex devices. Drawing participants will craft images of magnified gears, collaborate on sketching the larger machinery, and make gesture drawings of running motors. The work of all participants will be folded into a larger exhibit in the gallery.

Friday, April 12, 2013, 7:00 – 9:00 PM: The Great Calculation and Music Performance
Mark Glusker contextualizes these machines within contemporary technology. The talk culminates with a live group calculation and musical performance by Mat Dryhurst using the calculating machines.