Elk Shed

Title: Elk Shed

Artist: Bland Hoke

Date: 2018

Medium: Powder Coated Steel

Location: Children’s Learning Center, Rafter J Campus

Funded by: Agnes Bourne, Center of Wonder, Pam and Scott Gibson and the generous friends of the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum and Jackson Hole Public Art

Jackson Hole High School Fab Lab Student Designers and Builders: Instructor Sammie Smith, Andy Lopez-Hernandez, Style Thurston, Shane Lucas, Alex Coosaia, Evan McHugh, Harrison Sauter

“Design to Climb” Afterschool Program Students: Van Baltes, Sophie Bess, Hunter Bingham, Hunter Boss, Jaden D’Amours, Lindsey Dufault, Quinlan Diehl, Padraig Evans, Beatrix Goldstein, Finna Halsey, Rigdon Hammond, Emerson Hawkins, Ashley Hernandez Jimenez, Keane Hultman, Reece Hultman, Delilah Irby, Zackary Johnson, Aidan Kim-Miller, Grady Lewis, Brennan McGowan, Jordan Meagher-Ramsey, Annie Moll, Sully Nields, Ariel Perez, Isabella Suske

The climbable sculpture “Elk Shed” began as a STEAM project for afterschool students in 3rd - 5th grade. Bland Hoke and Children’s Museum staff guided students through a hands-on process to develop ideas and models, which were provided to a group of JHHS FabLab students to develop into a design concept. Bland Hoke used this design to weave and weld into this final sculpture. The design is inspired by the natural form of an elk antler, complete with a variety of features that provide fun and playful experiences. Imagine weaving ribbons into the antler, hanging hammocks between the tines, or creating forts with blankets during the summer. In winter, snow passes through the form, providing continued opportunities for imaginative play.

The Elk Shed is now located at the Children’s Learning Center on the Rafter J Campus.