GLACIAL ERRATICA: COMBINING ART AND GEOLOGY AT A NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM

Glacial Erratica, a set of two parallel exhibits by Ohio sculptor Charles Herndon, integrated geological concepts with works of art. It was shown from September 2005 to March 2006. One exhibit was at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History, the other was at the Galleria, a shopping mall in downtown Cleveland. Stone sculptures were the centerpieces of the exhibits, although paintings and photographs were also included. Most of the sculptures were glacial erratics found along the shore of Kelleys Island, Ohio. The erratics were dominantly gneissic and plutonic rocks of uncertain provenance, but also included Gowganda Tillite and Loraine Formation rock. Other, non-erratic rock used included Columbus Limestone (Kelleys Island bedrock), gypsum, and Ohio shale concretions.

Insights from both sculptors' and geologists' points of view were provided. A video of the sculptor allowed him to provide his insights on stone, rock carving techniques, and the Kelleys Island shoreline. Accompanying panels included quotes from the sculptor as well as basic geological information, including information on the three major rock types, local glacial history, and observable rock textures. Polished sculptural surfaces allowed for easy viewing of rock textures; rough fractured surfaces displayed crystal cleavages. The rock type of all the sculptures was identified on individual labels, along with other information on the stone, including definitions of terms such as erratic and gneiss, and the age of various rocks. Small accompanying photos of the geologist-commentators personalized the comments. Examples of large fossil invertebrates from Kelleys Island were also exhibited, providing a counterpoint to smaller fossils seen in sculpted Columbus Limestone.

A survey asked museum visitors questions to measure their reactions to this combination of art and science. Of 86 respondents, 87 percent liked it as art and 68 percent as science. When asked if the combination of art and science enhanced their learning experience, 86 percent responded “greatly” or “somewhat”. There was only one negative response; all others were positive or neutral. The Galleria exhibit was not evaluated, but it provided a valuable opportunity to teach geology in an urban context.