USU Engineering Sponsors Traveling Exhibition 'Spiraling Upwards' at The Leonardo

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Utah State University’s College of Engineering is a proud sponsor of “Spiraling Upwards,” a unique exhibition merging art and science through the beauty of fluid motion.

This interactive exhibition, hosted by The Leonardo in Salt Lake City and the American Physical Society, invites visitors to explore the dynamic world of fluid physics. The exhibit brings an artistic lens to phenomena like air currents, waves and whirlpools that shape our environment. “Spiraling Upwards” will be on display through Jan. 31, 2025.

This exhibition marks the second in APS’s Traveling Gallery of Fluid Motion series, following the success of “Chaosmosis: Assigning Rhythm to the Turbulent” at the National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. Featuring over 25 artworks and installations, “Spiraling Upwards” draws inspiration from Leonardo da Vinci’s fascination with fluid motion and flight, connecting science, creativity and curiosity. The title suggests ascent and resilience, embodying an optimistic counterpoint to the phrase “downward spiral.”

Among the highlights are cloud visualizations, kite flights at the Mars Desert Research Station and da Vinci’s own sketches illustrating the mechanics of air currents and waves. Visitors are encouraged to engage with these pieces, deepening their understanding of how fluid dynamics shape our world. The exhibition reflects humanity's curiosity, exemplified by da Vinci, to bridge science and art in understanding nature’s intricate patterns. This exhibition invites audiences to view fluid dynamics not only as scientific phenomena but as a poetic dance that unites the human spirit with the natural world.

“Spiraling Upwards” opens just ahead of the 77th annual meeting of the APS Division of Fluid Dynamics, where more than 2,800 scientists will gather at the Salt Palace Convention Center, November 24–26, to discuss research ranging from wind energy aerodynamics to ecological fluid mechanics.

Exhibition Details:

• Exhibition: Spiraling Upwards: A Traveling Gallery of Fluid Motion
• Location: The Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation, Salt Lake City, UT
• Dates: November 8, 2024 – January 31, 2025
• Hours: Check museum website for hours and ticket information.

This exhibition is made possible by the National Science Foundation, APS, and a network of local academic and industry partners, including USU, University of Utah, Brigham Young University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University and Reaction Engineering International.

For images and more information, please visit the Traveling Gallery Resources page or follow APS on Instagram at @chaos_osmosis for the latest updates.