The fourth annual public arts festival at ODU featuring “Pneuhaus” will take place on October 11 and 12 this fall. “Pneuhaus” is a Rhode Island art studio and ODU festival partner whose practitioners ask us to reimagine public space in and around the Barry Art Museum inclusive of 43rd Street. Everyone is invited to come out and experience immersive art and sound installations, engage in multiple kinds of activities, eat delicious offerings from food trucks, and create community on the ODU campus. The event celebrates our campus and our planet and features multiple biomes to explore that link us to earth sciences. For more information follow this link:
https://barryartmuseum.odu.edu/exhibition/pneuhaus-the-fourth-annual-public-arts-festival-odu/
Ahead of the festival’s opening, the CFD was able to interview Charlotte Potter Kasic, Executive Director of the Barry Art Museum.
What is the most wonderful thing about the public arts festivals you’ve designed and showcased to ODU?
The thing I’m most proud of about these festivals is how they create a bridge between the arts and sciences, promoting discovery and exploration. Collaborating with diverse departments across campus allows us to turn the festival into an open house for the incredible research happening behind closed doors at ODU. It’s those moments—watching children operate biomorphic robots, seeing people gaze through a telescope at Mars, or families gathering in the street to enjoy live performances under large-scale artwork—that are my favorite. My vision has always been to make art more accessible and exciting to the public, not something distant or intimidating.
Tell us about Pneuhaus and how you found them.
I’ve known about Pneuhaus since 2010 when I graduated from the Rhode Island School of Design. Back then, they were a group of undergraduates just starting out. Their collaboration between sculptors, architects, industrial designers, and engineers immediately stood out to me. The multi-disciplinary approach they bring to their work makes their pieces unique and thought-provoking. I’ve worked with them at several festivals in Vermont, which I helped produce with my sister, musician Grace Potter. Over the years, I’ve watched their work evolve, and I’ve always admired their creativity and innovation.
Can you discuss the biomes and how people will experience them?
The first biome is the Forest Canopy, where people can ride bicycles that open and close tree limbs around them, creating intimate spaces and a sense of awe. It feels as if you're a tiny creature, surrounded by towering moss, mushrooms, or leaves. The second is the Fabric Prism, which is a habitat you walk through like a cave. It's going to be a great portal for exploration—and perfect for selfies! The third piece is Cloud Lights, located inside the museum, creating a moody atmosphere while participants engage in NASA-led hands-on activities below. Lastly, we have a sound installation created by a local Norfolk-based team, where visitors can experience a sound bath inside a shipping container, connecting with the sounds of our waterways through 3D soundscapes.
How do you expand the Barry Art Museum’s space as part of the festival?
Inside the museum, we’re showcasing two related exhibitions. The first is Dollhaus, which features ODU art professors who created surreal and fantastic dollhouse rooms—truly a must-see! The second is Message in a Bottle, which delves into the rich maritime culture of Hampton Roads, examining both the history and contemporary facets of the shipping industry, military, and environment. Additionally, the Barry Art Museum takes over all of 43rd Street! We’ll have gallery hosts mingling with the crowd, a merchandise booth, and even a brand-new VIP members lounge with a private bar—a special way for us to thank our members.
How does the festival connect to the beauty and marvels of nature?
This year's festival is focused on earth sciences and celebrating our planet’s beauty. The biomes are designed to make people pause and reflect on the natural world around them—the stunning landscapes, the ecosystems, and the environment we are all part of. It’s an invitation to appreciate the earth’s wonders and our connection to it.
Can you talk about the narrative arc of the four festivals in total?
The first year, we journeyed to the moon, exploring everything lunar in a celebration of our muse, Luna. The second year, we ventured out to Mars, exploring the edges of space where humans have dared to go. This was inspired by NASA's Artemis mission, and we were proud to honor our local NASA partnership. The third year, we embraced the Fantastic Planet, inspired by the 1974 sci-fi book about giant humans on another world. We imagined that they had landed on Earth, looking down on us while we gazed up in awe. This year, we are diving into our own planet, Earth, reflecting on how it nurtures and inspires us. Each festival has been a journey, culminating in a deeper appreciation for our world and beyond.
What would you say to neighbors about why they should attend?
This festival is a true labor of love. Many volunteers have come together to create something joyous and meaningful. It’s free, open to all, and features everything from live glassblowing and food trucks to custom beers and incredible performances. You won’t want to miss this extraordinary experience!