38.104 Helios

38 degrees west latitude, 104 degrees north longitude. With a title referencing the exact location of the artwork, Helios was commissioned by Community Ventures to mark the 10th anniversary of the Art on the Streets program. Artists were asked to address the theme of “sunshine”, taken from the City of Colorado Springs’ “City of Sunshine” marketing moniker used in the early 20th century.

Designed to provide information about sun, wind and time, Helios (Greek for “sun”) includes a working anemometer atop four 12-foot high steel legs. Not only does the tool measure wind speed with it’s seven aluminum cups, but it is configured to raise and lower electronically, following the seasonal arc of the sun.

Montana artist Patrick Mentz has completed dozens of public art commissions across the country. Helios was donated by Community Ventures to the City of Colorado Springs in 2008.