MARJORIE BETHKE QUINLAN (1906-2009)
Artist’s statement: “These fantasy flowers, “Apollo Puffs”, can exist in the extremes of temperature of the moon because of the mysterious union between inert matter and organic chemistry. They might be found on the heights of the youngest craters. They develop deep within the moon’s crust and emerge through the basalt fissures. During development, melted materials crystalize on their outer surfaces giving the same protective components against extremes of temperatures as asbestos does.
The inner surface of each petal is lined with a SOLAR CELL-like structure that stores heat and acts as an energy generator. The petals rise to catch the sun’s rays, then lower to shade the heart of the flower. At night, the stored protective heat also produces illumination that can be seen between the closing petals”.
Floyd Bennett was Admiral Richard Byrd’s pilot when they flew over the North Pole.
He was to have been the pilot for the South Pole flight, but he died shortly before the expedition was to leave. Admiral Byrd took a stone from the grave of Bennett in Arlington Cemetery and wrapped it in an American flag which he dropped as he flew over the South Pole.
Hasbrough Heights, NJ, was once the home of Floyd Bennett. Bernt Balchen, the pilot who replaced Bennett, also came from the same town.
The shadow of the plane and the American flag are linked with the King Penguins as they are one of the first signs that indicate arrival in the Antarctic area.