The Super Moon

The modern science building at St. Olaf College.

When I learned the full, “snow moon” this month was a super moon I thought it might be fun to take the grandkids to see the moon from the top of Regent’s Hall at St. Olaf College. Not only would the four flights of stairs give them an outlet for some of their energy, it would be fun to see the view from the top atrium with three walls of windows.  We piled in our cars and drove to St. Olaf at the scheduled moonrise time, walked along the winding sidewalk up to the building, and then inside climbed stairs up to the top floor.

4th Floor Atrium at Regent’s Hall, St. Olaf College.

When we reached to 4th floor we looked East but we couldn’t see the moon. What I hadn’t thought of was other buildings being in the way of the moonrise. Argh… However, we went to a different area and were able to see the beautiful moon after it rose. 

The grandkids looking at the full moon. It’s always hard to capture the beauty of the moon, especially with an iPhone.

Although we didn’t see what I thought we would see, it was still a fun adventure. There were other displays to look at: several Owls and a large pileated woodpecker in glass cabinets, and a turtle in an aquarium.  

In one display case there were a couple pieces of artwork. I particularly liked the one with a lone bird sitting in a tree with peach colored blossoms.

Nature vs. Nurture – Corinne Kieras

After we walked down the hall to draw on an old-fashion chalkboard for a bit, I came back and noticed a second image in the picture… a woman’s face. It was an optical illusion. Very clever!

The piece on display is credited to a St. Olaf student, Corinne Kieras. She’s a Psychology and Computer Science Major. Her piece is called Nature vs. Nurture. I have included a photo of her artist’s statement.

Nature vs. Nurture artist’s statement.

10 thoughts on “The Super Moon”

  1. What a great idea! We did a “Blue Moon” party at St. Olaf one summer night when our nieces were young. We watched the blue moon rise from the perfect vantage point—-the bench at the top of the hill east of Old Main—-while enjoying foods and beverages that were all blue.🤢 Aren’t we blessed to live on Northfield?

    1. What a fun idea. You must have watched the blue moon rise during the summer.

      Northfield does have a lot to offer!

  2. You tried. And, in the process, discovered other interesting things to see.

    I need to get back to St. Olaf, to tour the art galleries. It’s been awhile and I’ve enjoyed exhibits there in the past.

    1. There is a lot to see at St. Olaf. The picture wasn’t even in the art gallery…it was a display in the science building, melding science and psychology.

  3. What a wonderful experience for your grandkids! I am sure they watched it all with wide eyes! The lovely painting was very interesting as well. The minute I read there was another picture there, I saw the woman’s face. A great experience for you all!

  4. I really liked the art and the artist’s take on Nature and Nurture. It gives pause to think on that. We do tend to separate the two.

  5. Valerie, what a wonderful idea to share that with your grandchildren. These are memories they will always have, and they are jewelry decorating the memories in their little hearts.

    Also, I totally love the nature versus nurture picture. What an absolutely fascinating way to think about that concept. Thanks for sharing!

    1. I love your words: they are jewelry decoding the memories of their little hearts.
      I wonder how much they will remember? But, none the less, I do believe it makes an impact.

Comments are closed.