Prospectus #212 North American Wind Research and Training Center at Mesalands Community College

Commission Project Dialogue by Norman Andersen

Budget: $70,000

The North American Wind Research and Training Center is home to the Wind Energy Technology Program at Mesalands Community College in Tucumcari, NM. The program provides instruction in wind turbine technology, turbine maintenance, tower safety and wind economics culminating in certificate and degree programs as well as customized training to meet demands of the industry. The site is dominated by a General Electric 1.5 Megawatt wind turbine. Construction was completed in September 2010.

The Local Selection Committee (LSC) at Mesalands Community College sought to commission artwork that is representative of wind energy. Artists with experience creating wind-driven kinetic artwork were encouraged to submit qualifications to the opportunity.

Norman Andersen from Minneapolis, MN was awarded the commission. The artwork was installed in the spring of 2013.

Andersen's wind-driven kinetic sculptures entitled Dialogue, will be fabricated from pre-patinated mild steel and copper with nighttime illumination provided by LEDs. Horizontal wind wheels will regulate pentatonic chords emanating from organ pipes at the top of the sculptures, adding an element of surprise to the installation. On a calm day, two-note chords may dominate the clocked performances of the work. On a breezy day, the call and response between the two sculptures will create melodies and scales that intertwine in fresh and unpredictable ways. On very windy days, performances may be lively and chaotic.