You read that right – OEC is now Why change our name? We wanted something that quickly conveys that we are the Smithsonian’s full service exhibit planning, design, and production shop. The new name is clean and simple. It shows that we can work with you from the earliest stages of your project …
Creating a Creative Space for Spark!Lab
Earlier this summer we installed Spark!Lab, a new exhibit by the Lemelson Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation. The exhibit opened on July 1st in the National Museum of American History, and is an interactive space where children ages six through twelve can become inventors through creative experimentation and invention. In order to spark the …
Making a Mural at National Portrait Gallery
The National Portrait Gallery opened One Life: Dolores Huerta on July 3. Huerta was a founder of the United Farm Workers and served as the organization’s lobbyist and contracts negotiator. OEC printed and installed the large mural featured at the entrance to the exhibit, using LexJet Print-N-Stick Fabric. To accommodate the size of the graphic, …
Exploring Fantastic Worlds with Smithsonian Libraries
Fantastic Worlds: Science and Fiction, 1780-1910, a Smithsonian Libraries exhibit, opened in the National Museum of American History on July 1st. It is the first exhibit to open in the recently renovated Smithsonian Libraries Gallery in the museum’s west wing. OEC designed, built, and installed the exhibit, which focuses on early works of science fiction …
Delivering National Postal Museum Graphics
OEC produced the graphics for Freedom Just Around the Corner, a graphic show in the prestigious Postmaster’s Suite at the National Postal Museum. The 57 graphics included small object labels, reader rails, in-case graphics, and large-scale signage. Freedom Just Around the Corner is the National Postal Museum’s first exhibit “devoted entirely to African American history.” …
Sea Lion Sculptures at the National Zoo: Original Art by OEC
OEC’s 3D studio isn’t just for model making. We can create original sculptures, too. Sculptor Lora Collins, who is also the 3D Studio supervisor, designed and sculpted the sea lion statues that were recently installed at the National Zoo. Lora created the sea lion mom and pup using a combination of traditional art techniques and …
One Hundred Skulls: OEC and Exploring Human Origins
We love our exhibitions and we want people to come and see them in person. Unfortunately, a trip to Washington just isn’t in the cards for everyone. Luckily, sometimes the Smithsonian is able to come to you. Today, a traveling version of the National Museum of Natural History’s Hall of Human Origins begins a journey to libraries …
Putting Ourselves On Display
It should be no surprise that OEC is filled with creative and talented people. Our work has helped show off many great works of art. For Artists At Work, not only did we design, edit, and produce the graphics for the exhibition, but we also had a chance to celebrate three of our own artists and the …
Putting the Puzzle Together: Traditional + Computerized Fabrication Techniques
Smithsonian Gardens recently opened The 20th annual orchid exhibition, Interlocking Science and Beauty, at the National Museum of Natural History. The exhibit explores “where botany, horticulture, and technology connect.” OEC’s approach to the exhibit components mirrored this interlocking theme. Staff from Smithsonian Gardens installing a tree behind OEC’s puzzle piece graphic panels. OEC created detail drawings from …
Applied Arts
The Hirshhorn celebrated its 40th anniversary by renovating the third floor galleries. The first exhibition in the new space, At the Hub of Things: New Views of the Collection brings together pieces from the museum’s collection spanning themes, generations, and media. A new iteration of Lawrence Weiner’s A Rubber Ball Thrown on the Sea, produced …