Thesis Defense Announcement

College of Communication and Fine Arts announces the Final Thesis Defense of

Jessica Cordray

for the Degree of Master of Arts

April 23, 2019 at 10:00 AM in Art and Communication Building, Room 244

Advisor: Leslie Luebbers

Hands On: An Exploration in the Use and Significance of 3D Printing in Museum Exhibits

ABSTRACT: Museums have long been regarded as sacred spaces, housing a plethora of objects intended be admired and contemplated upon, but too often they remain physically distant, unreachable. This thesis project seeks to use the process of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, to allow visitors to establish a more personal connection with museum items. This process included selecting items from the collection of the Art Museum of the University of Memphis (AMUM), digitizing and printing items using the technology available in the Ned McWherter Library Technology Sandbox, then creating and installing an exhibit using the genuine and replicated items in the rotunda of the library. Additionally, the paper portion of this thesis project documents the project methodology and details the importance of 3D printing in museum settings, including the expansion of access to museum items, the positive benefits on the visually impaired community, and the use of 3D printing in communal museum makerspaces.