You Submitted, We Listened: "Gyre" Spotlight

FROM THE DIRECTOR

In this first edition of NCMA Recommends, our new weekly series inspired by the visitor favorites you submit, we offer some new ways to engage with this iconic NCMA work of art from anywhere. Director Valerie Hillings shares why connection with our community is so important right now.

NCMA RECOMMENDS: GYRE

Gyre: How do you say it?

Soft g. Think gyration. Gyre, as a verb, means to spin, revolve, or whirl. As a noun, it means a circular or spiral form: a ring or vortex.

The rings of the NCMA’s Gyre have inspired lovers for decades. Some romantics have even popped the question in front of North Carolina artist Thomas Sayre’s popular outdoor sculpture. As the adventure of marriage can be a whirlwind, we like this connection. What do you think of when you see the earth-cast rings of Gyre?

HEAR FROM THE ARTIST

Thomas Sayre’s Gyre sculpture is an example of his earth castings, which are 3-D pieces created by sculpting directly into the earth. Watch the video to hear Sayre discuss his earth-casting process.
— Linda Johnson Dougherty, Chief Curator and Curator of Contemporary Art

MAKE

Dig in for Family Fun

The three rings that make up Gyre were created with help from the earth. Click over to NCMA Learn for hands-on activities using rocks, sticks, and clay.

—Courtney Klemens, Manager of Family Programs

Color the Rings

Color your own Gyre using our printable PDF. Download it, print it, and then tag us with what you create on social media @ncartmuseum.
—Dave Rainey, Director of Graphic Design

WATCH

Mandolin Orange under Gyre

Before the Chapel Hill-based folk duo's two sold-out Museum concerts in 2019, they recorded this four-part video session.

—Janette Hoffman, Acting Artistic Director and General Manager for the NCMA Amphitheater

Land Art Films

These documentary films about land art introduce you to the movement, its pioneers, and its iconic works, including a PBS documentary on Sayre.

—Maria Lopez, Manager of Film and Lecture Programs

MEDITATE

Here are some short and simple, but effective, mindfulness practices inspired by Gyre to help create a sense of stability, focus, and connection with nature, no matter where you are.
—Bryanne Senor, Manager of Park Programs

READ

Just How Did Those “Rings” Come About?

While Sayre is a Raleigh-based artist and architect, he has constructed works of art all over the world. To create his art, he uses earth and soil from the ground where his sculptures will eventually stand to form earth casts. Read more on Circa, the Museum blog.
—Karen Kelly, Senior Editor

Poetry and Art

Gyre was inspired by a poem by W. B. Yeats. We selected four poems that remind us of nature’s beauty, offerings, and reliability. Ready to write your own? Head to NCMA Learn for a Gyre-inspired poetry connections activity.
—Katherine White, Deputy Director

Thomas Sayre, Gyre, 1999, three ellipses of concrete, colored with iron oxide, reinforced with steel, and mottled with dirt residue from earth casting,overall length 150 ft. Gift of Artsplosure, City of Raleigh, and various donors

Now more than ever we remain committed to our mission: stewarding our world-class collection and prioritizing its care and conservation; curating one of the largest art parks in the world; developing educational outreach and long-distance learning programs across our state; and planning special exhibitions.

If you're able, please consider becoming a member or donating to the NCMArts Fund.