Carbondale, IL – A striking eclipse sculpture crafted by Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s senior scientist emeritus, Jack Nawrot, is the newest addition to the campus, coinciding with the total solar eclipse event on April 8. The stainless steel and iron artwork, standing over 8 feet tall, not only commemorates the celestial phenomenon but also supports a worthy cause.
According to SIU News, the sculpture titled “Art in the Dark” will be permanently displayed near Saluki Stadium’s southwest entrance. A replica will be raffled, with proceeds benefiting the School of Art and Design’s metalsmithing program and the newly established Student Progressus Fund. Nawrot’s sculpture is intended to be interactively viewed against the backdrop of the eclipse, with a compass faceplate on its pedestal marking key coordinates of the eclipse’s progression.
Raffle tickets for the replica are priced at $10, available on-site at the stadium, with the draw concluding at 3 p.m. on the event day. The community anticipates this artistic contribution will not only enhance the eclipse experience but also galvanize support for local art students and programs.
