"The Solar System," a glass installation by Cleveland Institute of Art senior Lane Grigson that depicts the eight planets in Earth's solar system, will aim to inspire and educate visitors to Geauga Park District's Observatory Park about the history and future of people in space.
“The Solar System,” a glass installation by Cleveland Institute of Art senior Lane Grigson that depicts the eight planets in Earth’s solar system, will aim to inspire and educate visitors to Geauga Park District’s Observatory Park about the history and future of people in space.
Each planet in “The Solar System” is made of blown glass, with diameters ranging from 5 inches (Mercury) to 13 inches (Jupiter). They’ll be internally lit and hang independently from the Robert McCullough Science Center’s atrium ceiling, according to a CIA press release.
“Observatory Park hosts stargazing events, brings in classes and holds educational programs. What I wanted to do with ‘The Solar System’ is that, when you walk in, you look up like you’d look up at the stars at some of their other events,” said Grigson, who’s studying Craft + Design at CIA, in the release. “It is important to me that there is a place for someone to learn about and experience space, but also a place that inspires creativity — a place that encourages learning and creation.”
An opening event for “The Solar System” will be held from 7:30-11p.m. Oct. 24 at Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St., Montville Township. An artist talk will take place at 7:30 p.m., CIA said in the release, adding the talk will be followed by one of Observatory Park’s Night Sky Viewing events, which invite visitors to observe the night sky through the Oberle telescope and other telescopes.
Following the opening, “The Solar System” will remain as a permanent installation at Observatory Park.
“We’re really excited to have Lane’s ‘The Solar System’ on display at Observatory Park,” said Geauga Park District Naturalist Chris Mentrek. “I’m thrilled that the public gets to experience this artwork in an astronomy-focused setting. Astronomy can feel like such a technical subject. It’s great to see a more creative and artistic approach to outreach materials.
“Lane’s glasswork is dazzling,” Mentrek added. “The planets become such delicate-looking, floating objects. The installation really captures the planets feeling simultaneously far away and close enough to touch.”
