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Art in the science center

Artwork in the Science Center Artwork by Steven Haas
Three integrated mobiles by Steven Haas of Suamico, Wisconsin, were commissioned by the College as part of the first phase of the Noyce Science Center building renovation and expansion project (installed in 1999). The mobiles are constructed of brushed aircraft aluminum and designed to rotate with convective airflow currents in location, providing constantly changing visual reminders of the close association between science, nature and art.
Bonsai hangs in hall near Science-2004. View Bonsai.
Flambeta hangs in hall near Science-2033. View Flambeta.
Scattered Flight hangs from the ceiling above the west stairway. View Scattered Flight.

Artwork by Professor of Art Louis G. Zirkle
Louis Zirkle came to Grinnell College in 1961. While in Grinnell, he taught sculpture, jewelry, silversmithing, ceramics, and design. He was the creator of Grinnell College's President's Medallion, worn at ceremonial occasions by the College President. He died October 3, 1986.
Press is made of carved and turned walnut wood. Created in 1969 by Zirkle, the Press was a gift from the artist to the College. It is located near Science 2001. View Press.
An untitled work of art may be found outdoors, just outside the west entrance of the science building. This cor-ten steel monolith was purchased by the Marie-Louise and Samuel R. Rosenthal Fund.

Sundial by Paul Granlund
Commissioned by the Class of 1939 and friends in honor of the memory of Harriet M. Gale, wife of the late Grant O. Gale, Professor of Phsyics at Grinnell College from 1928-1972, the Alpha and Omega Sundial was created by Gustavus Adolphus College artist Paul Granlund and installed on campus in 1991. The brass portion of the gnomon can be adjusted so that the sun shines directly through the slit; the nearly straight bright line falling on the dial indicates local sun time (note that this differs from standard time). The dial is embellished with numerals from various cultures and times. View Sundial.

Worley Tree Table
To allow construction of the new classroom area of Noyce Science Center in 1995, a stately elm tree located on the site had to be removed. In keeping with the respect of the scientific community for the natural resources represented by the elm tree, a cross-section slab of the tree was salvaged, and local craftsman Byron Worley designed and constructed a display table in which it was then housed. Plaques around the perimeter of the table connect to spokes of brass and indicate on the tree's rings dates of various events and milestones in the life of Grinnell College, as well as give information about the blight of Dutch Elm Disease upon the population of elm trees in the area. View Worley Tree Table.

Mathematics Artwork
Five works by artist Irve Dell of St. Olaf College are installed in the southeast entrance and stairwell. All have components of chalkboard engraved by the artist.
View artwork (shown open and closed) on second floor landing of the stairwell.
View artwork at the first floor landing of the stairwell.
View artwork between first and second floors - 2 pieces installed on a bulletin board; view "Magritte's Pipe" only; view "Klein's Bottle" only.
View small artwork at the southeast entrance (shown open and closed).




Phase 2 science building construction project completion ...more>>

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