Montlake Library Light Show

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Library Light Show

At the new Montlake branch of the Seattle Public Library, five circles of light, each a different color, dance on the walls and the lobby floor. The light show is courtesy of Rebecca Cummins, an associate professor in the UW School of Art who created it as part of her Aperture Skylight Sundial.

The project was unveiled Aug. 12, 2006, at the opening of the new library. The photos at right include images taken during the opening celebration, as well as during installation. The project was funded by the 1% for Art program under Seattle's Libraries for All Bond and was managed by the Mayor's Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs.
Read more in University Week >>

Background
· About the artist (Flash)
· Curriculum Vitae
· Project fact sheet (PDF format)
· Library news release

Check it out! The sundial is best viewed on a sunny day, and roughly between March 21 and Sept. 22 (the vernal and autumnal equinox). The library's hours vary. Click for details

Aperture Skylight Sundial
Montlake Library Branch

Image of

Also see a photo gallery of the grand opening prepared by the Seattle Public Library

In the artist's own words:

"The concept for this aperture sundial evolved while I was observing the library architectural model on a heliodon (a 'sun machine' that simulates the sun’s path for various times of day and year.) Light tracks in wondrous and often surprising ways; it was exciting to watch the simulated sunlight glide through the proposed space. I aspired to communicate this movement in the artwork."

What's next?

Rebecca Cummins will be exhibiting a singing rainbow-making machine in the Shanghai Biennale in September. Perhaps more work with the sun after that, in the most unlikely of places. "I've applied for a residency in Antarctica," she told University Week. "Antarctica is unique geographically and astronomically -- it would be a wonderful place to document."