Stories

Excitement took over the Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation on September 25, as SCU Presents, the Cultural Commission of the City of Santa Clara, the College of Arts and Sciences, and the School of Engineering, came together to host the opening ceremony of 'The Mechanical Horse.' This life-size horse, made of metal and moving gears, is the brainchild of artist and metal sculptor Adrian Landon. The ceremony was attended by the campus community with remarks from special guests City of Santa Clara Mayor Lisa Gillmor and SCU President Julie Sullivan.

At the ceremony, Professor Christopher Kitts kicked off this year's Innovation Challenge. The "Kinetic Design Art Challenge," inspired by this interactive sculpture, invites students to design and fabricate unique, artistic devices that incorporate mechanical motion. This challenge is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the community, encouraging the intersection of art and engineering. It promises to inspire creativity and innovation within the community and academia alike.

In January, a panel of judges will evaluate and select the most outstanding entries in each category. Thanks to an additional generous sponsor from Autodesk, the overall winner, selected across all categories, will receive the prestigious $2,500 Best In Show prize, while top entries in the remaining categories will be awarded $500 each. Follow updates on the Kinetic Design Art Challenge by visiting our Maker Lab web page. 

Be sure to visit ‘The Mechanical Horse’ at the Board of Fellows North Lobby. This incredible display will remain on exhibit until January 21, 2024.