Science and the arts are often described as being in opposition to each other. Yet, the work of both scientists and artists begins with the study of the world around them. This unique relationship will be explored when the School for New Learning (SNL) at DePaul University presents "Interconnections: Science and the Arts," a three-day conference Oct 21 to 23 at the Egan Urban Center, 243 S. Wabash Ave.

"This conference is designed to promote public awareness of how science intersects with art," said Patricia Monaghan a SNL professor and conference organizer. "Up until the 19^th Century artists frequently wrote about sciences. There were artists who would employ scientific metaphors for explaining the human condition, but then there was a parting of the ways and now many people see the two disciplines as oppositional."

The festival will feature the role science plays in the visual and performing arts and showcase some of the leading thinkers and practitioners in this field. Presenters include:

• Leonard Shlain, a California neurologist who wrote "Art and Physics," an examination of the ways artists have explored light. He also is the author of the current bestseller, "The Alphabet vs. the Goddess."

• Joe Meeker, who has been dubbed the "dean of eco-criticism." Meeker is the author of "The Comedy of Survival." He also is active in the application of theories from ecology to the literary arts.

• John Briggs, one of the most popular interpreters of chaos theory. His works include "Turbulent Mirror" and "Seven Life Lessons of Chaos."

• Alison Deming, director of creative writing at the University of Arizona and author of "Science and Other Poems,"

• Stephanie Strickland, a New York hypertext poet and author of "True North," a book of poems based in mathematics.

The event also will include performances, poetry readings, presentations and round-table discussions on literature, cosmology, visual arts, educational reform and access to scientific theory by artists.

"Artists have always been society’s interpreters. This event will promote the valuable relationship art shares with science and encourage the use of science and the arts in classrooms," said Monohan. "We hope to expand understanding of an area may be otherwise intimidating to the general public."

The event is free and open to the public. For more information call Patricia Monaghan at 312/362-6773.