March 18, 2017, 7:30 p.m.

Guest speaker Phil Smith: “Science Fiction as Inspiration: Examples of the Influence of Science Fiction on the Real World.”

We are excited to have artist Phil Smith, who has worked in the space industry for 17 years, speak about the connection between space and art, particularly how they inspire each other. His background includes nuclear weapons technology, industrial hygiene, clinical laboratory studies, policy analysis, space market forecasting, and aerospace history. In addition to conducting research, analyzing the results, drafting written materials, and presenting, Phil is also an accomplished fine artist and illustrator and has been a volunteer tour guide at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum since 2003.

Today’s visually rich presentation will focus on the genesis of science fiction and how it has served as an inspirational source for scientific research and engineering development. The first part of the presentation covers the definition and emergence of science fiction as a genre. An exploration of how science fiction contributed to rocketry and how it factors in to our evolving relationship with outer space follows. Finally, the last part of the presentation provides insight on how science fiction has informed thinking on non-space subjects.

The presentation should last about 30 minutes; suitable for all ages.

Our capacity is 58 seats. We set aside 20 seats to accommodate those who arrive without a reservation, so if the show is sold out you can still try to attend by arriving close to 7 p.m. However, although we will do whatever we can to seat all comers, there is no guarantee of admission without a reservation.