From Mayan literature to the use of hydrogen as fuel, the "Research Unplugged" series has covered many topics to interest students and faculty members at Penn State.

Nancy Locke, art history professor at Penn State, will be presenting the last lecture in the series, "Art in Society: Impression and the Rise of Consumer Culture," from noon to 1 p.m. today at the Downtown Theatre Center.

The lecture and discussion will focus on French impressionism and American culture today. "I want to talk about the many changes in France at the time impressionism came about, from the rise of the department store to the urban renewal project and the shift in economy," Locke said. "Impressionism was all caught up in that, and at the time, it was considered very unsettling, controversial and almost frightening."

Locke said she will discuss how the idea of impressionism and images in France at the time can tie into the growing culture of advertising in America. She said her main goal is increasing awareness of art's historical importance.

"I think people need to realize that the art of a society is intimately connected to the culture it is created in," she said. "We can now look at impressionism and think that it is just pretty, but it is important to uncover the original meanings and context of the paintings."

Kathryn Feeney (senior-journalism), the student in charge of organizing the series, said she believes Locke's lecture will show how art and society are connected.

"It's important for people to go to the lecture because art is so important in any culture. We can look at art and see something about the society we wouldn't otherwise see," she said. "Look at Nazi art -- what we can and could have gathered at the time it was produced is invaluable. Even now ,with something like South Park, as art, is such an embodiment of our culture."

The series was inspired by a popular British concept, Feeney said. "It is based on an idea out of the U.K., the 'Café Scientifique,' which is the idea to have an informal forum for exploring ideas which fosters public dialogue and energizes conversations about issues that matter," she said.

The relaxed atmosphere is an extremely important part of the series, Feeney said.

"The 'Unplugged' series is a very informal way to get the community engaged in some topic," Feeney said. "There will be complimentary bagels from Irving's, it's in the lobby, and the lecture part of the program will only last for about 20 minutes."

After the lecture, it will open up into a discussion with everyone involved.

"I would love to talk with the audience about any topic dealing with impressionism," Locke said. "It would also be a nice opportunity to talk about any other interesting topics dealing with consumerism and culture."

Robin Seymour, coordinator of membership and public relations for the Palmer Museum of Art, said students should attend the series to support the faculty.

"I think the series will appeal to students because it is an interesting topic, and Nancy Locke is one of Penn State's professors in the art department," she said. "I think it will be of interest to the museum's audience."

Feeney said students should attend because it is something different to do. "Come grab a seat, grab some free food and have a good time," she said.