Artists: Lin Cook, Jerry Harpster

Date: 1997

Location: Spencer View Housing

The sculpture is a metalwork piece made of bronze, copper, and stainless steel. Eight kite windvanes with different colors and patterns; all with wavy tails. The sculptures are mounted on poles on shelter and building roofs. Commissioned through Oregon's Percent for Art in Public Places Program, managed by the Oregon Arts Commission.

Lin Cook's artist statement:

EUTECTICA AND HARPSTER METALWORKS has designed, fabricated and installed eight Kite Windvanes for the University of Oregon Student/Family Housing complex known as Spencer View in Eugene, Oregon. The Kite Windvanes are constructed of aluminum and painted to color key with the door trim in each complex, along with accent colors and graphics. The Kite Windvanes help to individualize and identify each area of the complex, installed on top of the bike structures overlooking the courtyard/play areas.

Our concern was to design a safe secure Windvane, strong enough to withstand any possible weather conditions yet playful and pleasing to view. We were able to use the structural elements necessary to meet these criteria to also enhance the sculptural effects of the Windvane. The Windvanes serve as markers to identify the court yards, but also introduce movement and interesting shapes to the apartment complex. The abstracted Kite forms appeal to both adults and children, the bright colors and the gentle movement of the Kite Windvanes adding a cheerful, playful atmosphere.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Percent for Art Collection, Oregon Arts Commission.