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First solar-powered exhibition at Corvallis The Arts Center

Posted on by darion

Kathryn Cellerini Moore’s ongoing exhibition at The Arts Center in Corvallis is something of a novel endeavor for both the artist and the 61-year-old institution.

A mesmerizing constellation of tiny living organisms juxtaposed with phenomena on a galactic scale, including the aurora borealis and the sounds of nature, “Glint, Glimmer, Glow” is entirely powered by solar energy.

Six solar panels, borrowed from a generous benefactor, were mounted on a structure outside the center, producing energy that was converted and stored in a battery located in the center’s Main Gallery.







Glint Glimmer Glow_Arts Center Corvallis_Solar panels

The Corvallis Art Center is currently hosting Glint, Glimmer and Glow by Kathryn Cellerini Moore. It uses a combination of projectors powered entirely by a solar panel station designed and built by five students from Oregon State University’s College of Engineering.


JESS HUME-PANTUSO, Mid-Valley media representative


The mechanical and electrical components of the system were designed and built by five engineering students from Oregon State University as part of their capstone project.

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Beginnings

Moore, a painter and space creator, stated that she inherited an artistic practice that favored the use of pristine and new materials in each work of art.

In college, Moore, contrary to the traditions of her mentors, began to consider reusable materials in her work that could still be considered works of art.

After moving to Oregon in 2012, Moore continued to make a conscious effort to incorporate recycled and upcycled materials into her work. And as her art became more digital – painting with light, as she put it – environmental concerns began to refocus on the amount of energy needed to power exhibitions of her work.

“I organized this big exhibition a few years ago. At one point I had 18 projectors, which was fantastic. (It was) mentally a great puzzle to solve.

“But as we were building it, I thought the energy needed to power it wasn’t good for me,” Moore said during a Zoom call from her home in Portland.

Moore looked for art institutions that had successfully hosted what the art world now describes as low-carbon footprint or net-zero exhibitions.

“And that’s where I started coming up with blanks,” Moore said.

While artists individually have always incorporated sustainable energy use into their practices, Moore bets that art institutions haven’t always felt the pressure to make it a priority as they have over the past 10 years.

Nonprofit institutions like the Arts Center operate under such financial constraints that while renewable energy has long-term benefits, in the short term, funding such initiatives takes time and resources.

A community effort

From The Art Center staff to the Oregon State University students who designed and built the solar system that powers the exhibition, “Glint, Glimmer, Glow” is the result of a collaborative effort.

Hubert Sobiewski and Carson Donaldson, both seniors in mechanical engineering at Oregon State, selected the project from a list of about 30 potential capstone projects.







Glint Glimmer Glow_Arts Center Corvallis_In the round

The immersive and changing light invites the viewer to experience the art in the round. Artist Kathryn Cellerini Moore combines science, projectors and solar energy to create an immersive experience of the interaction of light and material.


JESS HUME-PANTUSO, Mid-Valley media representative


“What attracted me to it was that it was such a unique premise,” Sobiewski said, adding that the attractive design and opportunities to connect with the audience were also compelling.

Donaldson said he was inspired by the small size of the work group, the openness of the project and the freedom to explore different ideas to make the system work according to Moore’s vision.

“I also want to get into renewable energy after I graduate,” Donaldson said.

All materials used, such as metal and wood, for the solar panel structure were purchased from scrap shops or donated. The panels themselves were borrowed from a generous community member who encouraged the students to purchase them from a Craigslist seller.

Although the budget was limited, the exhibition was supported by the Pacific Power Foundation, the Oregon State College of Engineering and the Corvallis Sustainability Coalition, among others.

Moore also says the project was made possible thanks to the support of the Icelandic residency where it was developed, studio assistants, and a long list of others he tries to include in his artistic statement, “just to be very clear that this work is not being created in a bubble.”

Dental problems

According to curator Jennie Castle, as a historic building, there were many obstacles to overcome structurally. It’s been a learning experience so far.

The small solar system at the opening of the exhibit operated consistently for about an hour until electrical engineering students made adjustments to the inverter and Moore to the projectors, Castle said.

At full capacity (which means a sunny day), the battery can power the exhibition for about three hours of the center’s five-hour day.







Glow Glow_Arts Center Corvallis_Close Up Alt

Close-up of light from projectors interacting with materials such as petri dishes, chainmail and reflective panels. Five projectors were positioned in specific orientations to achieve the desired light interaction.


JESS HUME-PANTUSO, Mid-Valley media representative


“We’re going to slowly back away from it and see how far we can push it,” Castle said.

Using the application, electrical engineering students participating in the project were able to track how much energy the system they designed produced and delivered to the exhibition. Castle says it tracks the exhibition’s energy footprint this way. More information will also be available on the Art Center’s electricity bills.

“It will be interesting to see that, comparing the big show that included these big paintings that were installed and had all the lights on in the gallery, with this one,” Castle said.

Moore looks forward to publishing a detailed description of the process for any artist or organization looking to host a similar exhibition in the future.

Castle said that, especially with multi-projection new media installations, etc., low carbon footprint exhibitions are a path that both large and small art institutions need to consider in the future, and she looks forward to seeing how the technology that evolves will give them strength and interest is growing.

The exhibit explores curiosity and wonder, asking “what if” and “who’s there” questions, and Moore said she hopes visitors will share them as they view the exhibit. With the looming climate crisis, she hopes visitors will be encouraged to see the small ways they can make a difference.

“I see this as a springboard in exploring how art can be a renewable, regenerative process and a force for both social and environmental justice,” Moore said.

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Kosisochukwu Ugwuede (she/her) includes the towns of Corvallis, Philomath and Millersburg. She can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at 541-812-6091