AZ Awards 2021 Finalist: Secret Sky - AZ Awards

People’s Choice: Temporary and Experiential Installations

AZ Awards 2021 Finalist: Secret Sky

The Barn Art series, a local initiative in Port Austin, Michigan, seeks to salvage heritage barns by turning them into sculptural installations.

Year: 2021
Location: Hume, U.S.
Firm: Alibi Studio, U.S.
Photos: Catie Newell
Category: Temporary and Experiential Installations

The Barn Art series, a local initiative in Port Austin, Michigan, seeks to salvage heritage barns by turning them into sculptural installations. For her installment, called Secret Sky, architect Catie Newell of Alibi Studio reimagined a decommissioned barn by cutting a chunk out of it. The triangular wedge — like a tear in the fabric of reality itself — forms a kind of pathway through which visitors can walk. At dusk, the barn is illuminated from the inside; light pours through the spaces between the wooden slats on the walls, transforming the structure into the world’s most rustic lantern.

Team Catie Newell with Maksim Drapey, Julia Jeffs, Oliver Popadich, Kelly Gregory and Ryan Craney (Alibi Studio); James Boyle, Chris Boyle, Brandt Rousseaux, Cindy Patrick and Carl Osentoski (Greater Port Austin Art and Placemaking); Charlie O’Geen (Etc Construction Services); John Gruber (Sheppard Engineering); Pete Maley (bricklayer); Terry Boyle (volunteer lead) with Mike Chin, David Gilbert, James Schmalenberg, Tom Schmalenberg, Don Jones, Carol Breitmeyer, Chip Newell, Esther Yang, Scott Hocking and Jon Rees (volunteers); Phil Cooley and Paul Arnet (construction support)

People’s Choice: Temporary and Experiential Installations

AZ Awards 2021 Finalist: Secret Sky

The Barn Art series, a local initiative in Port Austin, Michigan, seeks to salvage heritage barns by turning them into sculptural installations.