We will first be touring Luke Stettner’s installation, State of the Sky in our Sampsonia Annex as he discusses his work within the space. Stettner’s installation is in part informed by his research with the Allegheny Observatory—his photographic methods and themes of his work are based on notions of automation and time standardization – two major factors of historical relevance for the Allegheny Observatory. Stettner has created a very active space within Sampsonia Annex. One space includes a solar darkroom built directly into the space, where images will be printed using the sun as their sole light source (with Calista Lyon). An adjacent room holding a stained-glass skylight created using dozens of UV filters will be embedded in the ceiling (with Mike Stickrod). 

After discussing Stettner’s work and the use of astronomical concepts, we will head over to Allegheny Observatory at 159 Riverview Avenue for a tour with Kerry Handron, where she will show us the space and discuss its implications in the development of time standardization, as well as other major astronomical discoveries that happened right here in Pittsburgh. We will also have the chance to use their telescope to look at the night sky! 

Itinerary: 

Please plan to arrive 5-10 minutes early. You may park in Mattress Factory’s parking lot located at 509 Jacksonia St. The first half of the event will take place in our Sampsonia Annex at 516 Sampsonia Way. 

• 7:00 PM - 7:45 PM: Tour and discussion with Luke Stettner at 516 Sampsonia Way.
• 7:45 PM– Attendees drive 10 minutes to Allegheny Observatory at 159 Riverview Ave. Please park in their parking lot at the top of Observatory Hill.  
• 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM - Tour with Kerry Handron at Allegheny Observatory. 

PLEASE NOTE: Space for this event is limited: Advance registration is required. This event is only for Factory 500 and Patron members.