Artwork copyright Ed Carpenter. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ed Carpenter. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ed Carpenter. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ed Carpenter. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Artwork copyright Ed Carpenter. Photo courtesy of the artist.

Flying Bridge, 1995

Ed Carpenter
American (born 1946)

Location: Central Washington University, Ellensburg

About the Artwork

Flying Bridge is a large-scale installation by artist Ed Carpenter, created in celebration of Central Washington University's strong science programs. Carpenter notes that this monumental piece "spans physically and metaphorically between the biology and chemistry departments... Like a gleaming light-seeking organism it hovers beneath the atrium's eighty-foot high skylight. It's aluminum structure and dichroic glass panels play in the light, casting moving shadows and projections when the sun is aligned. At night, special lighting casts colored light onto architectural surfaces." Dichroic glass contains multiple colors that change depending on light and the viewer's position.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Central Washington University.

About the Artist

Oregon-based artist Ed Carpenter creates architectural sculptures and installations for public spaces. Many of his works feature glass and explore qualities of light.