Glint, Glimmer, Glow is an experiment. A proof of concept. A statement about protecting our Earth. An exhibit inspired by the physics of solar wind, powered by solar energy. It shows what is possible when members of the community work toward a common goal. 

The moving images in Glint, Glimmer, Glow, include auroras, microorganisms, and landscape vignettes. To juxtapose galactic-scale natural phenomena occurring alongside the microscopic producers who are the foundation of Earth’s complex ecosystem, is a reminder that we have always been interconnected. The auroras’ subliminal presence has influenced human culture for centuries, historically inspiring origin stories and continuing to inspire cautionary tales. The undulating lights of the auroras are projected onto chainmail, a metal fabric designed by humans to protect human bodies. The chainmail has been woven together in banded tapestries emulating shapes of auroras and serving as a metaphor for Earth’s own semi-permeable electromagnetic armor.  

COMMUNITY COLLABORATION

Like the auroras that are energized by the sun’s activity, the projectors and sound equipment in Glint, Glimmer, Glow are also powered by solar energy. In partnership with The Art Center and The Design for Social Impact Initiative at Oregon State University, a team of engineering students from Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and Mechanical, Industrial, Manufacturing Engineering, collaborated with us to design, prototype, and build the renewable energy system that not only powers the exhibit, but is a visible part of the show. Learn more about the project at the Oregon State University Engineering Expo, Friday, June 7, 11 AM – 4 PM.

The physical integration of the energy system’s hardware into the design of the installation elevates the energy source as a vital part of the conversation. Using both recycled and new materials to craft the system, our goal is a net-zero exhibition experience. There is an urgent need for engineers, artists, community members, and funders to create solutions for powering our arts and cultural institutions using renewable energy. Our team is at the forefront of this challenge offering a possible solution for other cities and institutions to build from.  

Cellerini Moore and members of the OSU engineering team join TAC curator, Jennie Castle, for a conversation about Glint, Glimmer, Glow on TAC Makes: A Podcast, available May 6 on Spotify and YouTube.

Kathryn Cellerini Moore  is a curious human and interdisciplinary artist who likes to ask the question “what if?”  With a focus on using recycled and eco-friendly materials, Cellerini Moore’s artistic research celebrates play, scientific inquiry, and wonder. Cellerini Moore received an MFA in Studio Art from Stony Brook University, a BS in Psychology and a BFA in Applied Visual Arts from Oregon State University. She is currently a Visiting Assistant Professor of Printmaking and Painting at Willamette University in Salem, Oregon, USA. 

Cellerini Moore’s multimedia projects are often collaborative and built in community. She has collaborated with her students as well as scientists at the University of Washington, the University of Iceland, Oregon State University, Willamette University, The Sloan Digital Sky Survey, and BioPol Laboratories in Iceland. Her projects have been awarded funding from the Ford Family Foundation, The Oregon Arts Commission, and The Gretchen Schuette Endowment. In partnership with The Art Center, Glint, Glimmer, Glow received a grant from Pacific Power, which funded the collaboration with the Oregon State University College of Engineering capstone students to build a renewable energy system to power the exhibition.

GRATITUDE

Thank you to everyone who made this exhibition a success: Valtýr Sigurðsson, BioPol, Skagaströnd, Iceland; Sævar Helgi Bragason, University of Iceland, Reykjavík; Gunnlaugur Björnsson, University of Iceland, Reykjavík; Oregon State University Design for Social Impact ; Sarah Jo Menke, Willamette University Studio Art and Environmental Sciences; Gabriel Naomi, OSU College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Alexander O’Sullivan, OSU College of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science; Hubert Sobiewski, OSU College of Mechanical, Industrial, & Manufacturing Engineering; Carson Donaldson, OSU College of Mechanical, Industrial, & Manufacturing Engineering; Camden Warme, OSU College of Mechanical, Industrial, & Manufacturing Engineering; NES International Artist Residency, Skagaströnd, Iceland; Oregon Arts Commission Career Opportunity Grant; Oregon Arts Commission Photo Documentation Support Grant; Nicole Aline Legault, photographer based in Montreal, Canada; Cayla Skillin-Brauchle, Associate Professor, Willamette University; James Weiss, Scientist, Microscopy expert; The Arts Center, Corvallis, OR; Jennie Castle, The Arts Center Curator; Andrew Myers; Katie Hegglin; Randel C. Moore; Jeanne Rose Roxby; Holden Head, Visiting Assistant Professor, Willamette University; Marcus Bingham, Theater Instructor, OSU College of Visual, Performing and Design Arts; Willamette University Studio Art; Jessica Hume

Glint, Glimmer, Glow is funded in part by the Pacific Power Foundation. The Pacific Power Foundation is part of the PacifiCorp Foundation, one of the largest utility-endowed foundations in the United States. The foundation was created by PacifiCorp, an energy company that serves over 2 million customers across a diverse six-state region as Rocky Mountain Power (Utah, Wyoming and Idaho) and Pacific Power (Oregon, Washington and California). The foundation’s mission, through charitable investments, is to support the growth and vitality of the communities served by Rocky Mountain Power and Pacific Power. Since it started in 1988, the foundation has awarded more than $60 million to nonprofit organizations.