CMU’s Action C logo now graces the Smithsonian, marking its role in a landmark cybercrime investigation led by IRS special agent Chris Janczewski.

Central Michigan University’s legacy extends to a pivotal Smithsonian exhibit showcasing the CMU Action C Logo on a laptop used in groundbreaking criminal investigations. Smithsonian Exhibit Highlights CMU-Alumni’s Role in Fighting Cybercrime WASHINGTON, D.C. – A laptop featuring Central Michigan University’s iconic Action C logo has been unveiled as part of the Smithsonian National Museum of…

Fossil shells on display at the Smithsonian

Born in 1916, Barnes grew up the eldest child of four. An excellent athlete who also excelled in the classroom, Barnes enlisted in the Army shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor. After winter training in Camp McCoy Wisconsin, Barnes and the rest of the 107th shipped out to the Italian front. Captured by Hydra troops later that fall, Barnes endured long periods of isolation, depravation, and torture. But his will was strong. In an ironic twist of fate, his prison camp was liberated by none other than his childhood friend Steve Rogers, now Captain America.

Reunited, Barnes and Rogers led Captain America’s newly formed fighting unit, The Howling Commandos. Barnes’ marksmanship was invaluable as Rogers and his team destroyed Hydra bases and disrupted Nazi troops movements throughout the European Theater.

The Art of Video Games is one of the first exhibitions to explore the forty-year evolution of video games as an artistic medium, with a focus on striking visual effects and the creative use of new technologies. It features some of the most influential artists and designers during five eras of game technology, from early pioneers to contemporary designers. The exhibition focuses on the interplay of graphics, technology and storytelling through some of the best games for twenty gaming systems ranging from the Atari VCS to the PlayStation 3. Eighty games, selected with the help of the public, demonstrate the evolution of the medium. The games are presented through still images and video footage. In addition, the galleries will include video interviews with twenty developers and artists, large prints of in-game screen shots, and historic game consoles. Chris Melissinos, founder of Past Pixels and collector of video games and gaming systems, is the curator of the exhibition.

Opening Weekend—GameFest Mark your calendars to join us from March 16–18, 2012, for three days of insightful talks by video game pioneers, panel discussions where you can meet designers and artists, movie screenings, costume photo-ops, and hands-on play. 

National Tour The Art of Video Games is available for tour after closing at the Smithsonian American Art Museum. 

Boca Raton Museum of Art (October 24, 2012–January 20, 2013)

EMP Museum in Seattle (February 16, 2013–May 13, 2013)

Hudson River Museum in Yonkers, NY (February 15, 2014–May 18, 2014)

Toledo Museum of Art in Toledo, Ohio (June 19, 2014–September 28, 2014)

Flint Institute of Arts in Flint, Michigan (October 25, 2014–January 18, 2015)

Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in Memphis, Tennessee (June 6, 2015–September 13, 2015)

The Patricia and Phillip Frost Art Museum at Florida International University in Miami, Florida (October 9, 2015–January 25, 2016) 

Blogging for my followers in the East Coast who may be interested, especially those who love Mass Effect, because the exhibit seems to put a little emphasis on the series, noting a companion book called, 'The Art of Video Games: From Pacman to Mass Effect'. It will be featured along with many other of our favorite games.