Einstein's "He-ART" and Science Come Together

On Thursday, December 13, 2012, the Einstein community's creative side was on display at the sixth annual Ad Lib Art & Literary Night and Auction, presented by the staff of Ad Libitum, Einstein's Art & Literary magazine. Lubin Dining Hall was transformed into a gallery featuring artwork ranging from paintings and photographs to a knitted Kindle cover and playful sculpture that conjured up images of the infamous leg lamp in the film A Christmas Story.

In addition to visual arts, some of which were up for auction to benefit the Bronx River Arts Center, there also was music from the Einstein Jazz Band and readings of original poetry and short stories by members of the Einstein community.

"We're excited that this is our biggest show ever," noted Chelsea Higgins, who is editor-in-chief of Ad Libitum along with fellow student Brett Wolfson-Stofko. Some 90 artists exhibited more than 180 pieces of art, and nearly a dozen poets and writers shared their wordsmithing talents.

As the band played Dave Brubeck's Take Five, contributors posed for photos in front of their artwork and chatted about their pieces. Decked out in holiday-themed suspenders and tie, Dr. Charles Rogler fittingly posed before his "Jack Frost designs." While at first glance, his pieces Indian Headdress and Cascade 2 could be mistaken for plumage, the botany enthusiast explained, "These are photographs of ice crystals that have grown on the surface of my greenhouse windows."

Yaw Shin Oooi, who presented Chinese calligraphy, an art form he's been practicing since high school, spoke about the value of this yearly event. "It gives you the chance to see the other faces of our scientists, students and faculty members of the school," he said. "It shows the humanity part of scientists."

As part of that humanity, more than $1,500 has been raised through the silent auctions that have been held in conjunction with the art and literary night. Beginning this year, these funds will support a special "Albert Einstein College of Medicine Ad Libitum Scholarship" at the Bronx River Arts Center (BRAC), which will be given to students from the Bronx High School of the Visual Arts who will attend a 10-week painting class offered at their high school and taught by teachers from BRAC. The Ad Lib scholarship funds will cover the participation of 13 students.

Through February 2013, photographs from this year's art and literary night will be on display in the hallway connecting the Forchheimer and Chanin buildings. Some of these photos are still available for purchase through the silent auction that began at the event. All proceeds will directly support the scholarship fund. For further information, please e-mail 14libitum@gmail.com.