By Patrick Greenwell

For many students, the Speed Art Museum is a relatively unexplored part of campus. While most are aware of its presence, few have been inside, at least on a regular basis. However, museum organizers are hoping to change this, with a series of events and renovations in 2010, beginning with Art After Dark: Remix.
“We are really trying to mix things up,” said Kirsten Popp, public information associate for the museum. “We want to push the envelope.”
Along these lines, the event highlighted a very different attitude for the Speed Art Museum.
“It was very interesting,” said Alea Fisher, a senior political science and liberal studies major. “There was a lot of energy in the atmosphere.”
While many students may think of the museum as stoic and stuffy, Art After Dark was nothing of the sort. The Sculpture Court was filled with break dancers and the music of D.J. Kim Sorise; the Grand Foyer hosted the music of Nora, Ben & Eli; the Front Lawn featured the fire dancing of the Phoenix Collective; and the lower level acted as the stage for a dramatic interpretation of “Pride and Prejudice and Zombies” by the LePetomane Theatre Ensemble. 
Perhaps the most well-attended event was the collaboration between musician Ben Sollee and artist Valerie Sullivan Fuchs. They performed to an auditorium full of students and older patrons alike. 
“It’s a great way for the museum to try to cater to a different target audience,” said senior chemistry major Joseph Moore.
This varied audience is exactly what the event was created for. Museum organizers are aware of how many students simply walk by the museum, and never think to go in. Together with university faculty and staff, they put together Art After Dark to draw in this untapped audience.
“As we are getting ready for expansion and renovation, it’s a way of saying to students, ‘We want you here,'” said Popp. “That’s always been the case, but we want to make sure U of L is engaged.”
Some students, like Fisher, feel that the Speed Art Museum was successful in this. She even plans on taking her family to the museum, to show off a cultural piece of Louisville.
“I had only been to the museum once,” said Fisher. “Art After Dark made me appreciate it more. I was impressed that we had something like that. It made me want to go back.”
Although the museum is trying to reach out to students, not all students feel that Art After Dark achieved this goal.
“I was disappointed in the number of students there and the promotion to students was not done too well,” said Paige Mathis, a senior sport administration major. “But it was free to students, which was nice.”
Art After Dark: Remix is only the first of more events to come. On Feb. 5, Art After Dark: Fleur will highlight local artists and celebrate all things Louisville. Art After Dark: Shattered on June 11 will coincide with a national glass-working conference. They  hope to collaborate with the Louisville Film Society and have a  hands-on approach to the creative process.