‘Cracked Ice’ Exhibit Introduced at SUNY Old Westbury

Public art display installed during Spring Break 2024 is first major public art exhibition erected on campus in more than 40 years

A three-person crew from Lyle Welding Fabrication of Poultney, Vermont, began work at 7 a.m. on March 18,2024 to construct "Cracked Ice" outside the Campus Center at the State University of New York at Old Westbury. Seven hours later, three new sculptures were calling the campus home.

Created by artist Del Geist, "Cracked Ice" features towering structures - "Laurentide," "Muir" and "Champlain" - made of stone and stainless steel to symbolize massive boulders suspended by the remnants of ancient glaciers, now shrinking from the gradual melting of ice over time. The works are sited to appear slightly precarious as a metaphor for climate change, alluding to a precarious situation for the earth.

"Cracked Ice" sculptures "Muir" (foreground) and "Champlain" (background) on the Campus Center Sidewalk Plaza.

"We are very excited to bring 'Cracked Ice' to Long Island, a region whose own history began when it was carved by glacial retreat," said SUNY Old Westbury President Timothy E. Sams. "The presence of these works speaks to our campus' commitment to building a more sustainable world. These sculptures will serve as a discussion and teaching point, offering all on campus the opportunity to experience the artist's craft and consider the questions and concerns around climate change that led to his creations."

Created by Geist and fabricated by Bill Lyle, "Cracked Ice" most recently was featured on Broadway through its display in New York City's Garment District. The installation at SUNY Old Westbury is currently planned for at least one year. Efforts to bring the exhibit to the campus were led by Hyewon Yi, assistant professor of visual arts and director of the University's Amelie A. Wallace Gallery.

"Cracked Ice" is on display on the Sidewalk Plaza outside the main entrances to the University's Campus Center Building.

Learn more about the exhibit by visiting the "SUNY Old Westbury - Cracked Ice" website.

Visual Arts