Make your own constellation using color, pattern and light.

People gathered in a dark room look at an LED ceiling installation that looks like constellations

Leo Villareal's Star Ceiling 2 on view in Bright Golden Haze.

The stars have always been a source of inspiration and wonder. That's why we're turning our eyes to the cosmos in today's #AtHomeArt project. Inspired by two Bright Golden Haze exhibiting artists, Leo Villareal and Vija Celmins, today's creative quarantine activity will have you seeing the whole universe in a whole new light.

These works by Villareal and Celmins focus on stars and constellations, but their art processes and materials are very different. Follow the template(s) and directions provided to create your own personal constellation. While designing your night sky, think about how color, pattern and light will affect your final piece.

As always: Be sure to share your personal constellation with us on social media, using the #AtHomeArt hashtag!

A small, square, paper sculpture sits on the floor illuminating a dim corner

Materials

Printable constellation boxes (white or black box)
Scissors
Tape or glue
Push pin or large safety pin
Colored pencils (if using a white box)
LED tealight or smartphone light (do not use a real candle)

Directions

Print out template (white or black).
If using a white box, color with colored pencils.
With a push pin/safety pin, poke holes to create your night sky. Try poking different size holes to show dimension!
Cut out the box along the solid lines.
Fold the box along the dotted lines.
If using a smartphone as your light source, cut a small hole in the base of your box.
Bring the box together and add tape/glue if necessary.
Add a LED tealight or place the box over your phone’s light.
Close the box, turn off the lights and star gaze!

A print features a large black square with specks of white (that looks like the night sky) enclosed by a white border

Vija Celmins. Untitled (Large Night Sky), 2016.

- #AtHomeArt project from our Youth and Family staff
Kau’i Kanahele, coordinator of Youth and Family Programs
Christine Gibson, manager of Youth and Family Programs

Images:

Leo Villareal. Star Ceiling 2, 2019. LEDs, custom software and electrical hardware, aluminum. 120 x 240 in. Collection of the Artist. Courtesy of Pace Gallery, New York. Photo by Alex Marks.

Vija Celmins. Untitled (Large Night Sky), 2016. Mezzotint on Hahnemühle Copperplate Bright White paper in artist’s frame. Image: 36 1/2 x 33 inches; 93 x 84 cm. Sheet: 41 1/4 x 36 inches; 105 x 91 cm. © Vija Celmins, Courtesy Matthew Marks Gallery.

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Oklahoma Contemporary art education DIY art At Home Art