A major multimedia sculpture (kinematic, sound, and light) as the centerpiece of an exhibition (GoPower) funded by the National Science Foundation and U.S. Dept. of Energy for a five year tour of the national museum circuit. Local Sponsors- Austin Children's Museum, Lower Colorado River Authority.
I. Overview
A. Concept- Educational and Esthetic Aspects
The Kinetic Sculpture provides family audiences a hands-on experience of several ways in which energy is transformed from one kind to another. The rest of the
GoPower exhibit goes into greater detail about scientific particulars.
Besides educational content the piece is a visually striking and well crafted work of art designed by a sculptor working with master craftsmen and technicians.
B. Brief description of the Kinetic Sculpture and its major systems
The sculpture is intended as a striking introduction to the GoPower exhibit that is intuitive to operate by all agegroups.
The piece has five different hands-on systems;
1) An artificialy lit solar panel activates three motorized display discs;
2) A blower drives a wind generator that lights a multicolored LED array;
3) A hand cranked gearbox rotates the top half of the piece;
4) A handpump uses air pressure to activate figurines with a Texas flavor;
5) A cutaway Wankel engine is mounted so that vistors can spin the rotor and block.
The overall Kinetic Sculpture is designed with safety in mind. The piece is fully grounded and has a ground fault interrupter circuit. Sharp edges, pinchpoints and
other physical hazards have been carefully eliminated.
Aknowledgements:
The Kinetic Sculpture was built by Lower Colorado River Authority employees in coordination with sculptor David Santos. Artists Joe Perez, Steve Brudniak, and David Hutchings provided detail.
Major support came from the National Science Foundation and US Department Of Energy. The Austin Children's Museum, under the direction of Deborah Edward, was the primary sponsor of the exhibit and Paul Orselli served as
exhibit developer.
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