Client: The Clay Center
Location: Charleston, West Virginia, USA
Rising over 50 feet, Ashton’s Climbing Sculpture at the Clay Center in Charleston, West Virginia, challenges young visitors to ascend through a spiraling architectural form inspired by movement and discovery. Laminated wood platforms feature composite imagery from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, creating an awe-inspiring mosaic when viewed from below. This celestial imagery transforms the structure into a gateway to the cosmos, fostering curiosity and imagination. The installation complements the Clay Center’s broader cultural offerings, which include visual arts and live music, positioning it as both a learning environment and a community landmark.