SIU Carbondale scientist designs eclipse sculpture for campus

CARBONDALE, Ill. -- A senior scientist at SIU Carbondale has designed a sculpture for Saluki campus to commemorate this year's total solar eclipse.

Jack Nawrot works as a scientist emeritus at the school. He designed the "Art in the Dark" sculpture to map the eclipse as it crosses the US.

Nawrot recommends viewers stand 10 to 12 feet behind the structure to see the movement of the eclipse. Markings on the metal plate will show when the eclipse passes through totality.

“After retirement I took a few years of blacksmithing classes with Rick Smith, where I learned a lot about art and fundraising to support students,�� Nawrot said. “Hopefully this sculpture will inspire others to support SIU’s artists.��

The special statue will temporarily sit between Saluki Stadium and the Banterra Center during the eclipse before the school finds a permanent spot for it after the big day.

Visitors will have the chance to win a second, decoy copy of the artwork via raffle. Proceeds from the replica will benefit SIU's School of Art and Design's metalsmithing program, as well as the school's Student Progressus Fund. Tickets will cost $10 and be available until 3:00 p.m. on the day of the eclipse.