On the screens placed throughout the exhibition, animals act on their own or interact with each other in simple settings Spiak says are meant to evoke thoughts about human nature. A small mouse struggles inside of a tea cup and curiously discovers its surroundings, and a room slowly fills with a variety of different animals -- what Spiak describes as a once calm and serene setting turning to an animal "frat party."

"In solitude at times it can be very relaxing, trying to work things out. Or it can be frustrating," Spiak says. "And in group settings we can do things we couldn't do by ourselves. We become braver to do something we probably wouldn't do alone. That includes the good and the bad."

Spiak mentions small moments of reflection, like those when a person ponders to him or herself and reaches realization, and big moments of group action, like post-championship sports riots or the current revolution transpiring in the Arab world.

Those who visit the museum Saturday, July 9, can participate in Family Fun Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Changing Hands bookstore will be hosting a pop-up bookstore booth with signings by kid literature authors. The museum also has free activities and special visits from PBS celebrities planned for kids.

By Myself and With My Friends is currently running at the ASU Art Museum and closes on August 27.

The museum is located at 10th Street and Mill Avenue in Tempe. Check out the museum's website for more information or check out the museum's blog.