Pittsburgh Power Flowers
Our team's public art proposal is the intersection of art, technology and learning. The end result of this project is the creation of five public sculptures that utilize and demonstrate sustainable energy technologies in bold new contexts. These giant kinetic works grab public attention and also provide a framework for innovative ways to incorporate solar, wind and water technology directly into the urban landscape. Youth are concerned with the future of their environment and we are advancing their own unique ideas, solutions and creativity using art as a universal catalyst. (see images link below for more youth inspired proof of concept sculpture pictures.)
Project Street Address
Project City
Pittsburgh
Project Province/State
PA
Project Postal/Zip Code
15218
Project Country
United States
Name Your Project
Pittsburgh Power Flowers
Describe Your Idea
www.DavidEdwardsArt.com
www.PGHgalleries.com
www.ArtEnergyDesign.com
Our team's public art proposal is the intersection of art, technology and learning. The end result of this project is the creation of five public sculptures that utilize and demonstrate sustainable energy technologies in bold new contexts. These giant kinetic works grab public attention and also provide a framework for innovative ways to incorporate solar, wind and water technology directly into the urban landscape. Youth are concerned with the future of their environment and we are advancing their own unique ideas, solutions and creativity using art as a universal catalyst. (see images link below for more youth inspired proof of concept sculpture pictures.)
What is your idea? What makes your project innovative? Why is it important?
We are inspired by a 12 year old who said "If things worked like a flower, it would be great."
The Power Flower is a 12' wind driven kinetic sculpture in the form of a potted sunflower. Sun and wind energy are collected with a wind turbine driven by spinning flower petals and photo voltaic solar film leaf surfaces. A 55 gal. rainwater collector serves as base and ballast. The flower provides DC power for laptops, phones or water pump features. The sculpture also powers colored LED lighting for dynamic night illumination. A weather proof controller maintains safe power levels and timed programmable lighting. This is housed within ample signage for graphics and mission statements. The sculpture is transportable and sets up easily for events and exhibitions.
This working prototype serves students as a guide for creation of 5 new and different sculptures. They will have freedom to explore their own innovations but should incorporate solar, wind and water tech components in an organic design. Youth teams will generate ideas, draw plans, model templates, paint, assemble, install and demonstrate their renewable energy based public art at city wide event locations. These sculptures can be used by art festivals, gardening clubs, schools and institutions to support a variety of missions.
Including sustainable technology within mobile public art results in fun, approachable tools for youth to articulate their environmental ideas and their creativity. Beyond words, these sculptures are the focus for real actions that amplify students intense desire for a sustainable planet.
What will be the impact of your idea?
We want our youth to stay, work and grow our communities. This project produces tangible evidence that innovative, youth generated ideas have prospects for financial and entrepreneurial support. It demonstrates our region is working on projects that are directly relevant to their artistic, technical and environmental aspirations. We are creating skilled leaders and the regional opportunities to employ their innovations.
This project provides for years of high visibility, multi-site symbols of Pittsburgh's artistic and technical vitality. Teams will quickly see their sculptures come to life. We can begin July, 09 and exhibit the first of the five sculptures in late August, 09.
PghGalleries.com and blog, will track all sculpture locations including sales, purchase and donation information. Requests for exhibitions and youth education team demonstrations will be scheduled.
The project impacts well beyond a 500,000 GMA audience in the first years. We see global impact as we change outdated perceptions of our city. Our art-tech mission is the first step to create a large permanent power generating sculpture that redefines Pittsburgh and public art. The flower will grow.
What will it take to launch your idea? How will you secure community support and youth participation?
We seek $25,000 to provide materials, technologies, artist fees and transport costs to design create and install five kinetic sculptures. In an event format we will donate two of the five sculptures to 501 c 3 organizations that best support the voices of youth. Periodic donations will generate community interest and philanthropic support for both our project and the recipient non profit organizations.
With a proactive marketing strategy we utilized $1,800 of self-funding to create a working "proof of concept" prototype sculpture. This is being used to inspire youth participation, secure event locations and stimulate media interest. On JUNE, 18 THE PITTSBURGH POWER FLOWER will be featured at the Pittsburgh Technology Council Art & Tech exhibit. At this event we are consolidating plans with invited educators, youth leaders and securing dates and times for project workshops.
Guests will include art and science educators, community green initiatives, civic leaders, including: Shady Side Academy, City Side Yard Program, CMU Robotics Workshops, Phipps Conservatory, Steel Valley Arts Council, Attack Theatre, Pittsburgh Tech Council and Pittsburgh Public School program leaders.
This Entry is about (Issues)
We are looking for ideas from people who can make them happen. Tell us about yourself or your team.
We are a new team of five cross-disciplined change makers, with years of experience in engineering, education and large scale public art projects. Our team members have patents, museum purchases, historic public art commissions and have founded noted public installations such as the East End Event. We share a vision of youth generated eco solutions using art to voice the message. We can sustain and grow this project for many years with the following plan. We will donate two sculptures to 501 C-3 organizations that best express the voices of youth. The remaining three will be marketed for purchase. Profits from sales will be reinvested into a self-funded sustainable public art laboratory.
With our youth liaison we are engaging, forming teams and assessing task abilities by age, interests and enthusiasm. We have secured two idea workshop locations for design modeling and pre-fab assembly, and education meeting rooms.
Core Team:
Janine Cody MAT: ELA Curriculum Coach, Pgh. P. Schools, Youth Liaison-
M.L. Edwards: SW Engineer-
Rick Byerly: Artist, Vice Pres AAP, Marketing-
Dave Edwards: Artist, Public Art Chair Pgh. Tech Council-
Jan Van Linden: Phd., Recycling Tech. Consultant.
 | David Edwards said: We were contacted by the U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE, Office of Protocol, requesting a proposal for the creation of 30 ... about this idea. - 240 days ago read more > |
| David Edwards said: about this idea. - 241 days ago read more > |
 | a. b added this idea to their favorites. - 257 days ago. |
| David Edwards said: Hello Amara, It is inspiring to hear the details of your groups ongoing projects. I would enjoy talking with you also. The ... about this idea. - 264 days ago read more > |
| Amara Geffen said: Hello David,Glad to learn about your project. Sounds wonderful and I would love to see it. Are there any on display in ... about this idea. - 266 days ago read more > |
| David Edwards said: Thank you Dr. Hollerman for the support. The possibility of collaboration with Allegheny College would open mutually supporting venues. ... about this idea. - 266 days ago read more > |
| Jeff Hollerman said: Dave: an overdue note of support. The Power Flower is a fantastic idea that could be used in a wide variety of creative and educational ... about this idea. - 266 days ago read more > |
| Lazae LaSpina said: It was great to meet you and Marisette at the 15 Minutes Gallery reception... And beautiful to see the Power Flower in action! We're ... about this idea. - 273 days ago read more > |
| Paul Cha added this idea to their favorites. - 275 days ago. |
| Yoichiro Yamaguchi added this idea to their favorites. - 280 days ago. |
Take action: |
||
|
share this entry |
add to favorites |
|
|
discuss |
||
Quick Translate:
This Entry is about:
Links:
- 2104 reads