This show needs to be seen in person, as the magnitude of the handcrafted objects is unbelievable. Recommended is attending one of the demonstrations (calendar after the jump) to really see the art in action. If you can’t make it though, these pics should suffice. On view at the Park Avenue Armory until June 17th, 2012.

DEMONSTRATIONS

THURSDAYS – May 24, May 31, June 7 – 8PM

Sachs and his studio team will conduct three, ninety-minute demonstrations of the SPACE PROGRAM: MARS “Flight Plan.” During these events, civilian witnesses will observe the activation of complex sculptural systems, rituals, and narratives that comprise the mission to Mars.

SATURDAY – June 16 – 12PM

On June 16, 2012, Sachs and his studio team will conduct a real-time Endurance Demonstration of the SPACE PROGRAM: MARS Flight Plan. This singular event provides civilians the extraordinary opportunity to see SPACE PROGRAM: MARS in its entirety, as the team activates every single sculptural system, ritual, and narrative of the journey from Earth to Mars and back again.

The demonstration begins at 12 noon and continues well into the evening. Admission is available throughout the day, and civilians can come and go as they like. Access to the installation will be reserved to special viewing areas. Due to capacity limitations, civilians can anticipate a wait in line for entry, and reentry is not guaranteed. Admission and reentry will close at 11PM.

Tickets: $15 / $12 Students, Seniors, Park Avenue Armory and Creative Time members 

ARTIST TALK: TOM SACHS

FRIDAY – June 1 – 7PM

Join Tom Sachs for an informal discussion with SPACE PROGRAM: MARS co-curators Anne Pasternak and Kristy Edmunds about his artistic process, collaborations, and the inspiration behind his ongoing SPACE PROGRAM project.

Tickets: $10 / $8 Students, Seniors, Park Avenue Armory and Creative Time members

BREAKFAST WITH NASA

SATURDAY – May 26 – 11AM

Adam Steltzner, the Phase Lead and Development Manager of Entry, Descent and Landing for the Mars Science Laboratory Project at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), will join Tom Sachs in conversation about all things Mars.

SATURDAY – June 16 – 11AM

Join scientists Gregg Vane, Kevin Hand, and Tommaso Rivellini in a conversation about Mars exploration with Tom Sachs, moderated by writer Lawrence Weschler, in which Vane, Hand, and Rivellini will also share their experiences working in the NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Tickets: $10 / $8 Students, Seniors, Park Avenue Armory and Creative Time members

WEEKEND FAMILY PROGRAMMING: Life on Mars: Imagining the Incredible

SATURDAYS – June 2, 9 – 10AM
SUNDAY – June 3 – 10AM

Families with children are invited to join educational workshops led by members of the Armory Artist Corps during which they will be able to create their own personal journey to outer space in response to the installation. Art-making stations along the way will provide a souvenir of the journey. Recommended for families with children between the ages of 5 and 12.

$5 Materials fee per participant / FREE Park Avenue Armory and Creative Time members