By Lori Huseby and Searra Foote

After a hiatus in 2024, the Kuiper Space Science building and the Lunar and Planetary Laboratory hosted the graduate student-led art show, The Art of Planetary Science (TAPS), over the weekend of February 21-23rd. Over 400 artists, scientists, and community members participated and visited the exhibit, where over 150 pieces of fine art, data art, theme art, and a special exhibit were displayed. This year’s theme was “50 Years of Mystery and Discovery on Mars.”

One special exhibit involved Imagination 1, a mission that took place at the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars, a high-fidelity center located at the University of Arizona’s Biosphere 2. An all-artist crew of four University of Arizona professional artists (a non-fiction writer, a dancer/choreographer, a poet and a textile artist) undertook a six-day simulated Moon mission, generating creative work shaped by the limitations and possibilities of life and culture beyond Earth. We were honored to provide them a space to showcase and present their work. In addition to this special exhibit, there were special events each day, including local bands Rubee and Daytrails, night and day telescopes provided by Professor of Practice Steve Kortenkamp and the Tucson Amateur Astronomy Association, respectively, and a burlesque show titled “Chiasm Cabaret” at Hotel Congress in downtown Tucson.

Visit the TAPS website for more information on the art show, including art show winners, photo gallery, and information about our upcoming 2026 show. Thank you to everyone who participated and visited the exhibit this year. We cannot wait to see you all again in February 2026 for the next TAPS art show!

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