Things to do at NU: Oct. 9 to 15

It’s an exciting week ahead with “The Night Watchman” author Louise Erdrich set to deliver the One Book keynote on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Here’s what else you should add to your calendar this week.

A big celebration for the tiny

Celebrate National Nanotechnology Day with the Atomic and Nanoscale Characterization Experimental Center (NUANCE). Get a guided tour of the NUANCE facilities, eat free pizza, enter a raffle and find out the winner of this year’s Art of Science image contest.

Guided tours begin at 2:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, in the Willens Wing Atrium (B260), Technological Institute, 2145 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Register here.

Behind the lens

Join The Block Museum of Art for two events with artist Bev Grant, whose work is the subject of this fall’s “Dissident Sisters” exhibition. On Wednesday, Grant will join the exhibition’s curator for a conversation and Q&A, and on Thursday, The Block will screen three of Grant’s short films, followed by a conversation with the artist.

The artist talk is at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and the screening and conversation is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, in the auditorium of The Block Museum, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston. RSVP for the keynote here and the screening here.

Existence in the intersection

Most people with disabilities encounter the world of medicine as patients and outside observers. It is unusual to be able to observe and experience what it means to be both disabled and practitioner. Riva Lehrer, an artist, writer and medical humanities instructor, joins MD candidate Samantha Schroth for a Montgomery Lecture exploring their perspectives.

The lecture is at noon on Thursday, Oct. 10, in the Searle Room, Robert H. Lurie Medical Research Center, 303 E. Superior St., Chicago. Learn more about the event and register to attend virtually here.

Into the Institute

Wildcard holders and their guests receive free admission to the Art Institute of Chicago during Northwestern Night at the Art Institute. Enjoy what the museum has to offer through self-guided exploration or on one of several exclusive group tours.

The event begins at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Learn more here.

Virtual realities

“Grace” is an interactive performance that offers a deeply personal look at artificial intelligence, games, technology and the people who make them. It explores how identity is constructed in person and online, and what happens when your voice travels around the world in ways you never imagined. After each performance, stick around for a talk-back with Northwestern professors.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, and Friday, Oct. 11, and at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12, in the Wirtz Center Theater, Abbott Hall, 710 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago. Find more information and buy tickets here.

Bright ideas

Interested in launching your own startup but don't know where to start? Have an idea you'd like to workshop with other students? Join The Garage for a startup brainstorm session to discuss ideas and get inspiration.

The brainstorm is at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 15, at The Garage, Henry Crown Sports Pavilion, Suite 2300, 2311 Campus Drive, Evanston. Register here.