Kolos Schumy leads the NSU Museum Virtual Reality (VR) Art Lab

Kolos Schumy is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts at the NSU Halmos College of Arts and Sciences. Professor Schumy is leading the NSU Museum Virtual Reality (VR) Art Lab with the goal of implementing virtual and augmented reality immersive technology into an art museum environment to exhibit, create, and educate. The NSU Museum VR Art Lab is collaboratively supported by the Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts; and the NSU Art Museum

 

 

Tell us briefly about your research project.

Efforts to Date & Reportable Outcomes:

  • In Fall 2024, I launched a new Special Topics course in art and design focused on exploring VR/AR technology in the classroom.
  • The Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts supported the initiative by funding equipment and providing space for large-scale immersive experiences.
  • The success of the course inspired the extension of the concept into the NSU Art Museum.

Summer 2025 Internship Program at NSU Art Museum:
Three undergraduate students from the Art and Design program participated in a summer internship, contributing to three core pillars of the research:

  1. Exhibit: Displayed student-created VR art at the museum and offered VR art tours to visitors.
  2. Create: Developed new art inspired by existing museum pieces and presented it through VR tours.
  3. Educate: Facilitated VR art education for visitors, including 3D printing of their creations.

 

Who is working with you on this project?
Students:

  • Raul Perez: Researched and explored various aspects of VR/AR immersive technology.
  • Victoria Ruiz & Sofia Menco: Participated in art creation, tech research, and guided museum tours.

Museum Staff:

  • Bonnie Clearwater: Chief Curator and Museum Director
  • Lisa Quinn, M.F.A.: Lillian S. Wells Education Curator
  • Tristen T. Trivett: Community Engagement & Arts Education Coordinator

 

What opportunities and/or benefits does this project bring to the NSU community?
Although not grant-funded, the project was supported by the University and Museum. It offers students the opportunity to create, exhibit, and educate using immersive VR/AR art in a museum setting. Securing a grant would help continue and expand this work.

 

How does this project connect with your other work at NSU?
As a professor of Digital Experience and Graphic Design, I believe VR is a transformative technology that may soon replace traditional screens. This project aligns with my mission to explore emerging tech that could redefine how we teach and create.

 

How has NSU helped you pursue and/or achieve personal and professional goals you have set for yourself?
NSU has provided strong support through the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts to establish and maintain the Extended Reality Art Course. The Kreuger Scholarship has also enabled continued research. Special thanks to Dr. Shanti Bruce, Department Chair.

 

What is the next project on your agenda?
I’m currently working on a proposal for an immersive VR/AR experience aboard Princess Cruises, involving NSU Art Students and Guy Harvey, the renowned marine artist.