Mt Olympus - University Glacier - Topographical Map Digital art printed on photo paper mounted on acrylic. 30” x 30” 2023 
Mt Olympus - University Glacier - Topographical Model Three dimensional model, machine cut cardstock. Hand painted with acrylic. 8” x 8” model mounted on 11” x 11” hickory wood backing 2023 
"There is an otherworldly feeling and deep sense of awe standing atop a peak in a mountain range. It’s in these moments and emotions that I gain inspiration for my work. Seduced by mountain topography, I strive to portray a mountain’s grandness and character in my work. At present, the Olympic Mountains are home to 184 glaciers. While these works highlight University Glacier, one of the smaller glaciers cocooned in the south face by Mt Olympus’s highest peaks, University Glacier is presented in the context of the greater mountain region. "In the topographical map, other glaciers can be seen ghosted throughout the topography. These glacier outlines will continue to subside, shrink, and change with the years. Around 18,000 years ago, it was likely all the glaciers visible in the map were connected by one ice sheet. While many are now rapidly melting, avalanches and runoff from the steep slopes of Mt Olympus contribute to University Glacier’s mass. As of today, University Glacier may be better protected from climate change than other glaciers, but even still, in the past 40 years it has seen a 36% reduction in area. What will the future hold?" -Erin Ziter
Meet the artist:Erin ZiterErin grew up with a love of camping and hiking in our National Parks. She spent a portion of her honeymoon in Port Angeles and on the trails of the Olympic National Forest. As a full time architect in Portland, Oregon, Erin spends most of her days submerged in the details of the built environment - a far cry from the wild, untamed ruggedness of the environment of these glaciers. But with a passion for adventure and creative hobbies, Erin finds herself exploring new crafts and artistic mediums with as much enthusiasm as she explores the next hiking trail. She is honored to have been selected as an artist for the Terminus Project, and thrilled to be debuting her work at Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. She thanks the U.S. Geological Survey for recording and archiving the topographical data used to bring her artistic visions to life, with real world accuracy. 
More about University GlacierThe name University Glacier was previously given to the Jeffers Glacier, in honor of by two University of Washington students who were exploring the upper Queets in 1914, one of which died in World War I. When the Jeffers glacier was renamed, the name University was given to this small “spider shaped” glacier in an adjacent niche on the southeast flank of Mt. Olympus.
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Last updated: July 5, 2023