Celebrating Chemistry and Art: National Chemistry Week 2001

Abstract

For the year 2001 the theme of National Chemistry Week, the American Chemical Society’s annual outreach program, is “Celebrating Chemistry and Art.” Various examples of chemists who also made contributions to music, literature, and poetry are presented. The relationship of chemistry to such visual arts as painting, sculpture, photography, and art conservation is discussed. Useful resource articles are also cited. The history of National Chemistry Day, the brainchild of 1989 ACS President George C. Pimentel, and its successor, National Chemistry Week, are briefly discussed, as well as the desirability of a change in date because of competition from election news in the media. The new date for NCW, beginning in 2002, is announced for the first time.