38th St and Washington

Stuart Keeler / Michael Machnic / Seattle, WA

Created by Pacific Northwest artists Stuart Keeler and Michael Machnic, the artwork at this station is an astronomical tool that notes the passage of time, utilizing the changing path of the Phoenix sun. The wing forms, inspired by the nearby airport and aerospace industry, are organized linearly from east to west along the southern edge of the entry ramp. Within each form is a circular cut-out through which the sun illuminates a metal disc at exactly noon on the 21st day of each month.

Influenced by the nearby Pueblo Grande Museum, the piece reflects the Hohokam celebration of seasonal shifts with ceremonies using the sun. At the same time, the interdisciplinary fields of astronomy, mathematics and history are in keeping with the station’s relationship to neighboring Gateway Community College.