Brain Camp
The Cortex Collection Backstory
Building Big Beautiful Brains
The Cortex Collection is a series of five large brain sculptures created as a community art project for Brain Camp, our elementary school summer program that teaches the FUNdamentals of the brain through science & art to encourage better health and wellbeing.
During the full-day, week-long camp, students learn neuroscience basics, while getting hands-on with real brains and conduct experiments that build their understanding of brain-body connection, sensory perception, and more.
They then translate what they’ve learned into art; discovering how art can be a tool for learning and communicating as they complete a community art project.
This year, campers from Isabella Bird Elementary School were transformed into neuro-sculptors - building not only their biological brains, as they learned new facts and skills, but also molding and designing their own brain sculptures and decorating the giant brains that make up The Cortex Collection.
The Cortex Collection and this year’s brain camp program funding was provided by the Avielle Foundation Initiative, making it possible for all children to attend for free! Brain Camp is led by Dr. Tracy Bale, Jessica Fluharty, and Erin Mindigo, with support from Haley Sotiros, Lab of Translational Psychiatry volunteers, and amazing middle-school mentors pitching in to bring the sculptures and science to life.
Science + Art + Community
We’re on a mission to showcase the FUNdamentals of neuroscience. Using an engaging curriculum wrapped in summer-camp energy, full of colorful science, engineering, and art activities, Brain Camp demystifies how the brain works so kids are empowered to nurture theirs!
Creativity, exploration, and collaboration are amplified as we share the importance of brain health during camp and in the community.
Buy a Brain to Support Brain Camp
The unique collection is being auctioned off to support future brain science education and community-based programming.
Catch a sneak preview of The Cortex Collection & stay tuned for the auction announcement.
