the beacon
-The Atrium & Sacramento County Waste Authority-
Introducing The Beacon, two solar powered educational art exhibits stationed in Old Sacramento. These mobile installations can be disassembled to fit into a small SUV allowing for the ability to travel to festivals, farmers markets, schools, and other regional events.
The Beacon is the third incarnation of the The Recycle Challenge. Its concept is that of a guide, or beacon of hope and inspiration, which is desperately needed to tackle humanity's waste management crisis.
From the installation:
"I am The Beacon, sent from space to inspire Sacramento (and all of Planet Earth) to be a kinder, more sustainable place to live. You can reduce your environmental impact by consuming less and recycling right, but it is more complicated than you think!"
As participants explore the exhibit, they will learn about proper recycling techniques specific to Sacramento county, shocking facts about our current climate crisis, and how the improper disposal of waste contributes to our predicament. The Beacon hosts The Recycle Challenge Game, a downloadable app that tests your knowledge about recycling and some unsettling truths about our waste management systems. By exploring the physical and digital displays, participants take away action steps that can help to have a positive impact on our community and planet.
Each 9'-0" x 9'-0" x 7'-6" installation is fabricated from an aluminum frame, laser cut walnut panels, upcycled mylar shade canopies, LED lighting, refurbished tablets, and unique upcycled art installations.
Contributing artists & shops:
Sean Stillwell: Principle Artist, Current Art Pod
Alexa Jesse: Principle Artist
Jaymie Braun: Principle Artist
Shira Lane: Producer
Yennie Zhou Designs: shade canopy, Home Art Pod
Makers Luck: wood panels fab
Hoimei Lin: graphic design
Dave Stone: wiring & LED fab
Chuck Summerville: 3D LED programming
Paramour Designs: travel protection
Unbound Solar: solar design
Eric Wallace: solar consultant
Microperts: game development
Sacramento Art Glass: metal shop
Dwellpoint: technology and lighting shop
Hackerlab: wood fabrication shop
Special thanks to Unbound Solar for their generous contribution of the state of the art solar technology, custom design, and technical support in launching The Beacon. Read more about Unbound Solar's contribution here.
The Recycle Challenge program was developed by Shira Lane of Atrium916, with the support of Sacramento City Councilman Eric Guerra, and generous funding from Sacramento Waste Authority.
All photos by Max Barrett, Shira Lane, and Sean Stillwell Studios.
Stakeholders: