pengwen
09-29-2005, 03:15 PM
Socorro – Amateur and professional astronomers will be greeted by ancient astrological symbols when they visit the NM Tech Etscorn Observatory during the 12th annual Enchanted Skies Star Party.
The mural, or actually murals, cover the surrounding buildings and one of the telescopes, the creation of four art students of Midge Grace at New Mexico Tech.
Dan Klinglesmith, head of the Etscorn Observatory, last May asked Grace if any students would like to take on the project. Four students jumped at the opportunity: Julie Hefferman, Georgia Raymond, Jenny Le Blanc and Destin Moulton. Along with teachers Midge Grace and Andrea Holson, the group decided on the design and how to execute it.
The mural covers over 90 feet on the Etscorn building. The lower section depicts deep space with varied solar systems and star formations.
A 2-foot-high frieze of zodiac forms on the Etscorn building is repeated in complementary colors on the Telescope dome.
“I have worked with many art media,” notes Georgia Raymond, “but this is my biggest canvas – it’s over 140 feet long!
“We started in late May by bringing all of our ideas together. We made a miniature painting and presented it to Dan Klinglesmith in mid June.”
After his approval, the real work began. Each student, says Georgia, worked on different sections of the mural. Georgia’s main emphasis was cutting the stencils for the zodiac symbols so that they were the equal size and could be copied around the border. “Destin and I determined ways to cut the design to keep them intact.”
The designs then were painted on a board which was attached to the building.
It was a huge project, students reported, which took all summer to complete.
But the efforts were worthwhile. The ancient symbols remind guests of the long history of astronomy and the thrill that people throughout the ages experience when they gaze at the stars.
The mural is a great addition to the observatory. The Tech Astronomy Club hosts the Enchanted Skies Star Party each fall. Star parties also are held at time throughout the year. The observatory is located on the Tech campus, just north of the Physical plant.
For more information on the star party, visit http://www.socorro-nm.com/starparty
The mural, or actually murals, cover the surrounding buildings and one of the telescopes, the creation of four art students of Midge Grace at New Mexico Tech.
Dan Klinglesmith, head of the Etscorn Observatory, last May asked Grace if any students would like to take on the project. Four students jumped at the opportunity: Julie Hefferman, Georgia Raymond, Jenny Le Blanc and Destin Moulton. Along with teachers Midge Grace and Andrea Holson, the group decided on the design and how to execute it.
The mural covers over 90 feet on the Etscorn building. The lower section depicts deep space with varied solar systems and star formations.
A 2-foot-high frieze of zodiac forms on the Etscorn building is repeated in complementary colors on the Telescope dome.
“I have worked with many art media,” notes Georgia Raymond, “but this is my biggest canvas – it’s over 140 feet long!
“We started in late May by bringing all of our ideas together. We made a miniature painting and presented it to Dan Klinglesmith in mid June.”
After his approval, the real work began. Each student, says Georgia, worked on different sections of the mural. Georgia’s main emphasis was cutting the stencils for the zodiac symbols so that they were the equal size and could be copied around the border. “Destin and I determined ways to cut the design to keep them intact.”
The designs then were painted on a board which was attached to the building.
It was a huge project, students reported, which took all summer to complete.
But the efforts were worthwhile. The ancient symbols remind guests of the long history of astronomy and the thrill that people throughout the ages experience when they gaze at the stars.
The mural is a great addition to the observatory. The Tech Astronomy Club hosts the Enchanted Skies Star Party each fall. Star parties also are held at time throughout the year. The observatory is located on the Tech campus, just north of the Physical plant.
For more information on the star party, visit http://www.socorro-nm.com/starparty