Touch Home, Reach Sky
Location
Installation Date: 2023
Artfully integrated into the redesign of the downtown library entry, this installation features 45 sculptural steel books that celebrate the uniqueness of Northern Arizona. From natural elements like stars, plants, trees, trails, and mountains, to railroad and Route 66 imagery, the colorful laser cut sculptures tell a story as they lead visitors to the entrance. At night, an amber glow reveals the books’ own constellations of light and pattern. The universal forms reflected are a reminder of coming together and all that we must learn.
Aspen Avenue Sculptures: As visitor’s enter from Aspen Avenue, the art’s story begins with stars, referencing a span of time from pre-history through ancient and contemporary cultures. In the sculpture’s ‘map’ of the northern hemisphere sky, the north star sits in the center of its 3-book cluster, marking its significance as a connector and way-finder. Meeting the starry sky, the center book patterns reference rooftops of nearby historic buildings. This cluster of homes then looks down on sunflowers growing up from the earth, whose seed patterns are captured in the last two books of this grouping. The geometric patterns of the sunflower centers associate strongly with those of the night sky, bookending the home dwellings.
Ramp sculptures: The iconic mountain peaks of Flagstaff were named differently by different peoples over time and are significant to all. The sculptures reveal mountain forms folding back and forth, which then become the patterns of a forest of Ponderosa Pines, another touchstone for all peoples.
Plaza Sculptures: At the center is a nine-book burst of dandelion and fern patterns, which also reflects an alternate depiction of the universe. On one side are patterns of railroad ties and the iconic Route-66 towers, marking the crossroad nature of Flagstaff and the library as a juncture for the community. Flanking the opposite side of the burst are telescopes and Lowell observatory roof structures, tools for seeing this place as a learning universe.
About the Artwork
About the Artist
Artist Statement: The Flagstaff downtown public library community’s aspirations for the new entry plaza and its art reflect what the library means to them, and their understanding of Northern Arizona as a unique place:
Something inspiring, something evocative
Central community space for research, education, learning and inspiration.
A bank of knowledge, inspiration, and escape
A great source of pleasure, and connectivity
A moment for my kids to stop and interact with some beautiful and interesting.
In harmony with community and nature
Integrate our greatest treasures: our natural environment, our science community, and the great history we have.
In which all differently abled people can experience and use the entry inclusively
Questions for Elementary School Families
What shapes or patterns do you see in the sculptures?
How do you think the art connects and relates to the library behind it?
Why do you think the artist chose to make the sculptures look like books?
The art includes mountains, stars, plants, and trees. Which of these do you notice first?
How does this artwork remind you of Flagstaff or Northern Arizona?
The artist said the mountains and forests are special to many people. What makes the mountains and forests of Flagstaff special to you?
At night, the books glow with light. How do you think that might look? How does it add to the feeling of the sculpture?
Why do you think the artist added light to the sculptures?
Questions for Secondary School Families
How did the artist use color, shape, and light to enhance the art?
The sculptures resemble open books. What message do you think the artist is trying to convey with this?
How does the use of light change the meaning or experience of the artwork?
The artwork is made of steel. How does this material choice contribute to the meaning, permanence, or feel of the piece?
The artist describes Northern Arizona as unique. What aspects of Flagstaff do you see reflected in this artwork?
The mountain forms are described as “significant to all.” How can nature help connect different cultures or groups of people?
Why might the artist have chosen to include references to Route 66, the railroad, and the observatory? How do these symbols relate to Flagstaff’s identity?
How does this artwork change the experience of visiting the library for you?
Extension Activity
Try to create your own “story panel” inspired by Touch Home, Reach Sky by choosing something meaningful about your home, community, or the natural world. Using cardstock or thin cardboard, draw a simple design, then cut out parts of the design similar to the laser-cut steel books in the art installation. Then, glue aluminum foil behind the cut-out areas. Color the front of your design with bright colors like the art installation. If you want, place a light behind your art or place it against a window so it glows!
