Medford, OR (June 26, 2026) – Vibrant rainbows are beginning to pop up and shine inside of most JCLS libraries, thanks to Solar Spectrum Artist Peter Erskine, who is creating and donating permanent, site-specific installations at 100 public libraries across the state of Oregon. 13 Jackson County Libraries are honored to be part of this statewide art project that use prisms and mirrors to capture and manipulate natural sunlight; the installations create an immersive rainbow environment that moves around and changes throughout the day and year.
“The entire space becomes a giant prismatic sundial linking us to the cosmos…” Erskine describes the rainbow installations on his website.
”As the seasons change so will the art, highlighting the kinetic nature of libraries. Libraries are community hubs where people learn and grow; they provide resources and spaces where people can connect throughout all the seasons of life.” Said Community Engagement Manager, Josh Letsinger. “What a great opportunity to visit libraries throughout the year, each time will be a new experience!”
Currently, the Applegate, Ashland, Butte Falls, Eagle Point, Phoenix, Ruch, Shady Cove, Talent, and White City branches have the permanent rainbow art installed. The Medford, Phoenix, and Rogue River branches have temporary ‘mock-ups’ casting rainbow light, with plans to install permanent pieces later. There are also plans for rainbow installations at the Jacksonville and Central Point libraries.
To commemorate the new prism art, JCLS is planning on hosting free rainbow themed programs in the fall, including rainbow color mixing stations, suncatcher crafts, DIY spectroscopes, and sand art terrariums. There will also be themed grand opening events in September.
More information about those events will be available as autumn approaches. Make sure to stop by and see the calming rainbow for yourself during your next library visit!