Providence College

PC’s Labyrinth & Sundial

Shepherd’s Corner doesn’t have the corner on labyrinths. Providence College newly converted a roadway into a walkway in front of Hunt-Cavanagh Hall. Two delightful surprises were built into the walkway–a labyrinth and a sundial.

PC Labyrinth

On the College’s website the labyrinth is described as follows:

“The labyrinth at the entry of the Department of Art and Art History represents a miniature replica of the 13th-century artistic motif featured on the floor of the great Gothic cathedral in Chartres, France.

Walking the Chartres labyrinth
(Image source unknown)

The medieval fascination with labyrinths was inspired by ancient prototypes, the most famous coming from Greek mythology where Daedalus builds a labyrinth for King Minos at Knossos to house the Minotaur. The labyrinth also shares qualities with eastern mandalas as a symbol of sacred geometry. Gothic builders incorporated the labyrinth into many Catholic churches of Europe (i.e., Amiens), recasting it as an instrument of pilgrimage and prayer. The pilgrim followed 11 winding circuits set inside four quadrants culminating in a rosette center. In this manner, the pilgrim was able to embark upon a spiritual journey to Jerusalem right in the local church structure itself.

The incorporation of this art historical motif in the visual arts district of campus not only connects Providence College to a long and rich tradition of sacred spaces and iconography, but provides a beautiful stopping point for admissions tours, gallery visitors, alumni, and current faculty, staff, and students.”

The sundial, of analemmatic design, is interactive. Stand on the date and your shadow tells the time.

PC Sundial

Sundial In Use
(PC photo)

An Unpleasant Encounter

I bought a new car about a month ago, a 2014 Subaru Outback. Then, last Thursday (March 20) I was out to dinner with a friend. After dropping her off near the Providence College campus, I was driving home, going south on River Avenue, a few blocks south of Smith Street in Providence. I heard a loud noise, as though something hit my car. Indeed, something had, hitting the window in the cargo area on the passenger side of the car. It was a BB, most likely, based on the service agent’s assessment of my description. Although it doesn’t show well in this photo, the window is shattered, looking like a finely woven spider web. I took the car to the dealer for repair, and somebody’s idea of fun cost me about $500–not fun in my book! I reported the incident to the Providence Police, so hopefully they will investigate and prevent something even more serious happening to someone else. If you live in Providence, you probably don’t think of River Avenue, near PC, as a dangerous area. I think it will be a while before I drive it in the dark again, though.