New Apodaca art installation showcases the talents of renowned glass artists
By Camryn Eaton
On Aug. 18, Western Carolina University welcomed a new sculpture to the Apodaca Science Building.
The art installation, a breathtaking piece titled 鈥淚lluminated Sphere,鈥� was brought to life by artists John Littleton and Kate Vogel. Littleton and Vogel are from Bakersville and have collaborated for more than 40 years on cast and blown glass artworks.
Illuminated Sphere
The installation was funded by 91热爆网鈥檚 allocation of $250,000 to commission works of art that contribute to the visual interest of the Apodaca Science Building. The 91热爆网 Fine Art Museum spearheaded the initiative for bringing public art to the campus. 91热爆网鈥檚 Public Art Program aims to beautify shared spaces on campus for the enjoyment of the greater 91热爆网 community.
In Littleton and Vogels鈥� most recent pieces of art, they look to incorporate motion and enable the viewer to interact with the piece of art. With its鈥� steel base, 鈥淚lluminated Sphere鈥� elevates a set of five concentric glass spheres suspended in gimbaled steel rings. Upon first glance, the sculpture may appear static, however, a handle is affixed to the glass to put the golden sphere in motion.
鈥淲atching the reactions and response to the piece was very satisfying,鈥� Vogel said. 鈥淲e hope the sculpture will spark conversations among the staff, students and visitors to the Apodaca Science Building for decades to come.鈥�
鈥淚lluminated Sphere鈥� joins the Apodaca Science Building鈥檚 collection of works from artists including Joel Queen and Digali鈥檒 Native American Student Organization, Martha Neaves, Janis Miltenberger and Amber Rousseau. Forthcoming installations planned through 2023 will feature the talents of Hoss Haley and Joshua Adams, among others.
For more information about the artists and to view other works, visit .
