Nov. 13, 2006
 
ART EXHIBIT: Multi-Dimensional Art Exhibit Opens Downtown; Differential Analyzer – Primitive British Computer
 
By Tony Rutherford
Huntington News Network Writer
 

“mini-D.A.”
Huntington, WV (HNN) -- The former offices of a stock broker became the site Saturday, Nov. 11, 2006 of a multi-media art exhibit and musical extravaganza. “The Appalachian Landscape: Bob Ross Don’t Live Here No More” will be displayed nightly for a week at 949 Third Avenue.
 
Opening night attracted hundreds of environmental supporters, art lovers, and people with diverse musical tastes ranging from a bluegrass band to rock to the crowded display which placed different art and visual displays in former stock broker offices.
 
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Christopher Worth, who coordinated the exhibit with David Cyfers and Dr. Clay McNearney, called the turnout “a true example of the coming together of community. I’m very pleased.”
 
The event drew all age groups, although many Marshall students took advantage of the free food and drink to observe their friends’ projects. Individuals drifted back and forth throughout the many rooms looking at the works and socializing with friends.
 
Asked to name a ‘most popular’ exhibit, Worth explained, “it works as one giant piece of art,” meaning that everyone seemed to be looking at all the items and grasping the overall Appalachian cultural themes.
 
“I thank Huntington, Marshall University, and Dr. Touma (who donated use of the office building), it’s amazing.”
 
Richard Cobb, founder of the city’s Adapt a Book program, called the show “fantastic” and “eclectic,” adding “everything is unusual and very imaginative. I’m going to try to make it around to all of the displays.”
 
One item that did draw many onlookers was a “differential analyzer” which solves equations and when first constructed in the 30s performed precise calculations such as where to drop bombs during World War II.
 
Dr. Bonita Lawrence, associate professor of mathematics, began work on constructing the “mini-D.A.” two years ago as part of a research project. The machine was originally constructed in the 1930s to solve quantum mechanics and atomic theory problems, explained Saeed Kefhazarzian, math major, and member of the D.A. team. During World War II the British utilized the primitive computer “to drop the bombs in World War II to go over obstacles and hit dams.”
 
Looking like an erector set with a graph, Kefhazarzian said that the machine teaches kids about equations from algebra to calculus. “The input is the output; the output is the input, so the equation goes on forever [to] infinity.”
 
The differential analyzer also had a role in the development of sophisticated sound systems. “When they started building speakers, amplifiers and receivers, they were having problems with distortion. They need a way to cancel the interference and this machine was used” to work on harmonics.
 
Constructed in India, the MU Math Department’s “mini” version solves “second ordered differential equations.” They plan to build one like the British original which solves “4th ordered differential equations.”
 
30% of the proceeds from art sales go to the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition. The exhibit continues through the week across from Pullman Square.