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Stuart Collection Debuts "The Wind Garden" on August 7

On behalf of the Stuart Collection at UC San Diego, I am pleased to invite you to the opening reception for "The Wind Garden" on Monday, Aug. 7, 2017 from 1-3 p.m. in the eucalyptus grove adjacent to the Mandel Weiss Theatre. Created by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Luther Adams, this is the Stuart Collection's 19th public art work.

"The Wind Garden" is a sound installation activated by natural elements. Hidden in the trees are 32 accelerometers that measure the movements of the trees in the wind. As the velocity and direction of the wind changes, so does the amplitude of the sounds, and the way they move within the grove. Thirty-two speakers high in the canopy above project the sound, louder during strong gusts and sunny, summer weather; while subwoofers at ground level emanate more subtle, deep tones as darkness descends and winter prevails.

Established in 1982, the Stuart Collection exposes the campus community to new cultural realms and inspires intellectual engagement. Each permanent work is designed specifically for the university by leading artists of our time, each becoming a beloved icon of our campus-from Niki de Saint Phalle's "Sun God," to Tim Hawkinson's "Bear" and Do Ho Suh's "Fallen Star." The Stuart Collection is one of the only programs on a university campus to feature ongoing commissioned sculpture. For more information about the Stuart Collection, visit http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu.

I encourage you to explore "The Wind Garden" and meet artist John Luther Adams at the free reception on August 7. The new work, currently serenading visitors, can be experienced any time. Meander through the pathway amongst the trees or linger on a bench for a longer listen; the sounds never repeat, so each experience will be unique. See you in "The Wind Garden."

Mary Beebe Director, Stuart Collection