Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Elizabeth Gahan. Photo courtesy of the artist.

The Geode, 2018

Elizabeth Gahan
(American, born 1982)

Location: Washington Elementary School, Wenatchee

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Elizabeth Gahan created the colorful installation The Geode to frame Washington Elementary School's main stairwell and ceiling. The title and crystal-like forms reference growth and evolution in the natural geology of caves and stalactites. The dynamic installation looks different as you walk past, under and through it. The artist created the composition to connect with students' interests and curriculum. She notes, "The artwork has a strong sense of geometry and math. It features a juxtaposition of 2D and 3D shapes. The sign-making materials used to build the artwork points to advertising and an urban environment. This project also lends itself to discussing art themes such as the color wheel and color theory… Furthermore, the idea of a "synthetic growth" inhabiting the stairwell certainly has a science-fiction bent to it and lends itself to imagination and fantasy, perhaps for a creative writing prompt or inspiration of students to embark on their own art projects."

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Wenatchee School District.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based artist Elizabeth Gahan balances her studio art practice with the creation of three-dimensional installations for public spaces.

Gahan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (2004) from the University of California at Santa Barbara. In 2005, she studied filology and fine arts at the University of Barcelona in Spain. In 2008, she earned a Master of Fine Art degree from Claremont Graduate University in California.