Immersive ‘Field of Histories’ Features Glowing Glass Orbs Integrated into Landscape
A field of nearly 200 glowing orbs reveals the dreams, artistry and legacy of the community’s past. The new public art installation, “Field of Histories” is now on view in Toledo, Ohio’s Glass City Metropark.
Designed by Brooklyn-based artist Bryony Roberts, the sprawling installation consists of laser-engraved glass orbs on stem-like steel supports, surrounding a walking path in the park. Integrated into the landscape, the immersive work celebrates previously untold stories gathered from Toledo residents through a series of in-depth community engagement sessions. People who have lived or worked in the city were invited to share objects of historical significance that made an impact on their family, local history or cultural identity.
The history of each object was documented, and the items were then photographed to serve as a model for subsurface laser engraving. The process resulted in 3D images engraved in the center of each glass sphere, which appear as detailed frosted shapes. Illuminated with LED lights, the orbs and the frosted shapes within them glow throughout the day and the seasons. Visible from across the Maumee River, “Field of Histories” serves as a beacon drawing visitors to the park to engage with the past, present and future of Toledo.
"It has been such a pleasure working with the people of Toledo, the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo and Metroparks Toledo to realize ‘Field of Histories.’ As I spoke with people on my first visit to Toledo, I realized how many layers of history were embedded in the land of this park and I wanted to find a way to celebrate all of the untold stories of this place,” said Roberts. “I had an image in my mind of glass orbs growing up from the ground, with each one representing a different story. It was incredibly moving to see how many people turned out to share their stories during our workshops and it has been amazing to see people return to see their objects now in the park. I'm so grateful to all of the people who participated in this project.”
Many of the depicted objects illustrate the history of industry and labor in Toledo and honor the city’s reputation as the glass capital of the world. “Glasstech Globe” was submitted in honor of Harold McMaster (1916-2003), a scientist who was named “the Glass Genius” by Fortune Magazine and whose glass inventions changed the world. He developed glass for appliances and televisions, created a market for tempered glass and is considered by some as the father of commercial-scale solar energy. Other submissions highlight the importance of local companies such as Toledo Scales, Willys-Overland Motors and Libbey, Inc. (formerly Libbey Glass Company). Contributions of personal significance range from artwork and vintage swizzle sticks to military medals and gifts commemorating a wedding anniversary or other milestone. The project includes an online catalog of each object and an interactive map.
“Visitors are able to stroll through the installation and explore imagery that significantly impacted fellow members of the community,” said Scott Carpenter, director of public relations at Metroparks Toledo. “This artwork captures moments in time and creates a legacy for future generations, ensuring their stories continue to be told. We’re proud to hold space for these stories and provide an environment for Glass City residents to gather and contemplate their own histories.”
“Field of Histories” is among several works of public art sprinkled throughout Glass City Metropark that references the region’s past. “Beacon Tower,” a 50-foot steel and glass tower created by Toledo-based Graphite Design + Build, represents smokestacks that used to sit on the former industrial site. “Slag Ladles,” a project of the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo, features massive, bowl-shaped relics dating to the 1880s when the park land was home to Maumee Rolling Mills steel company. The remnants were uncovered during the construction of Glass City Metropark and transformed into a sculpture piece providing a unique planting area. Other art highlights include “Rain Towers,” a group of five functional water play sculptures created by Graphite Design + Build and the colorful Main Street Bridge Mural by artists Chilly Rodriguez and Dean Davis.
Glass City Metropark is part of the larger Glass City Riverwalk, an ambitious 10-year project that is converting abandoned, underutilized or formerly industrial land (brownfields) into a five-mile-long public greenway accessible to all. Breathing new life into the riverfront through a conservation-first approach, Glass City Riverwalk will eventually connect six neighborhoods on both sides of the Maumee River.
“Field of Histories” was funded by the Metroparks Toledo Foundation and selected after a national search for proposals conducted by the Arts Commission of Greater Toledo.
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First two photos above by Bryony Roberts; aerial photo by Doug Hinebaugh
About the Artist
Bryony Roberts is a designer, writer and educator. She leads her own interdisciplinary practice and teaches at the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation in New York. Roberts has received several awards, including the 2018-19 J. Irwin and Xenia S. Miller Prize from Exhibit Columbus, the Rome Prize from the American Academy in Rome for 2015-2016 and the MacDowell Colony Fellowship in Architecture for Summer 2019. She was a finalist for the Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) Wheelwright Prize in 2020. She holds a bachelor's degree from Yale University and a Master of Architecture from the Princeton University School of Architecture. Roberts is the founder of Bryony Roberts Studio LLC, an award-winning design and research practice based in New York. The studio collaborates with community groups to create immersive and interactive environments in the public realm. For more information, visit bryonyroberts.com.