Exhibit turns spotlight on Percent for Art

The Gallery of Design is hosting “Beyond Bricks and Mortar: the Design and Fabrication of Four Campus Percent for Art Projects.” The exhibition presents conceptual drawings, working drawings and maquettes, and materials samples used in the design and creation of four art installations or sculptures funded through the State of Wisconsin’s Percent for Art Program. Each of the art pieces is part of a recent new building or building renovation on campus .

The four art pieces in the exhibition are:

“Vertus,” by Ray King. Installed in the Rennebohm Pharmacy Building, it is a light-sensitive sculpture, which transforms electric or natural light into a dazzling spectrum of color.

“Ghost Steps,” by David Griggs. Found in the Red Gym, the stairway-like sculpture uses historic and contemporary photographic images of campus life sandblasted on glass treads.

“Biochemistry Waltz,” by Norie Sato. In the Biochemistry Building, this piece is a terrazzo floor incorporating images selected from the field of biochemistry.

“Algorithmic Tapestry,” by Scott Parsons. The Engineering Centers Building is home to this terrazzo floor, which incorporates images specific to research and history of the College of Engineering.

The Percent for Art Program, created by the Wisconsin Legislature and administered through the Wisconsin Arts Board, provides funds for original works of art for selected state buildings. A map showing the location of all public art pieces on campus is available at the exhibit.

The gallery of Design is located in the School of Human Ecology. Hours: 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays; 1-4 p.m., Sundays. Information: 262-8815.