Pause for a moment and look down. This is the Ha-no-oo Star Calendar. It is not just a floor. The Ha-no-oo Star Calendar is a reflection on travel and navigation. It connects us to the cosmos and to each other.
The Ha-no-oo Star Calendar mosaic floor depicts the night sky. Imagine the stars as seen above this very light rail station each year. The floor is a map of the heavens. It links us to the wider universe.
Look closely. The Ha-no-oo Star Calendar is divided into 21 constellations. These are not just any constellations. Their names are written in 21 indigenous languages from this region. Think of the Arapaho. Consider the Cheyenne, Paiute, Kiowa, and Bannock nations. Each name was shared by elders. They spoke with the artist, Scott Parsons. He created this calendar.
The elders voices echo in the star names. Their knowledge is embedded in this artwork. The Ha-no-oo Star Calendar honors their traditions. It preserves their connection to the stars.
Imagine those elders. They looked at the same sky we see today. They found stories in the stars. They navigated by these celestial patterns. The Ha-no-oo Star Calendar keeps their stories alive. It invites us to learn from them.
Consider the materials. The Ha-no-oo Star Calendar is made of granite mosaic. Each piece was carefully placed. Each color represents a different star or constellation. The granite itself comes from the earth. It connects us to the ground beneath our feet.
The Ha-no-oo Star Calendar is part of the RTD Art-n-Transit program. This program brings art to public spaces. It enhances our daily commutes. It transforms ordinary places into extraordinary ones.
Stand here for a moment. Feel the connection to the stars. Think of the indigenous cultures that have watched these skies for centuries. The Ha-no-oo Star Calendar is a reminder. We are all travelers. We are all navigators. We are all connected to the cosmos.
As you continue your journey. Remember the Ha-no-oo Star Calendar. Remember the stories it holds. Remember the people who shared those stories. Let this artwork inspire you. Let it guide you. Let it remind you that we are all part of something bigger than ourselves.