Wright State University Library’s Wright Flyer No. 1

The Story:   Suspended in perfect symmetry beneath the apex of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library atrium, a full-scale replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer appears to float effortlessly in open air. Framed by three levels of library stacks and bathed in soft interior light, the aircraft is surrounded not by sky, but by knowledge.

Wright State University  honors its namesake inventors, Wilbur and Orville Wright, with this carefully constructed replica — assembled by volunteers under the leadership of Howard R. DuFour and installed on 4 September 2001. Positioned high above the atrium floor, the Flyer feels both weightless and grounded… a reminder that imagination and study often share the same space.

The Rest of the Story:  What struck me most wasn’t simply the aircraft itself — it was the symmetry. Standing below, I noticed how the lines of the railings, the repeating geometry of the stacks, and the open vertical space all converge toward the Flyer. The design of the library almost feels intentional… as if the building were created to cradle flight.

There’s something poetic about a machine that first conquered the air now hanging above shelves filled with research, engineering, and history. The Flyer doesn’t soar here — it hovers — surrounded by ideas rather than wind.

In that stillness, the atrium becomes symbolic. Before there was flight, there was study. Before there were engines, there were sketches. This quiet installation captures that connection beautifully.

If you are seeking more WSU artwork, I have more artwork located in my Wright State University Art Prints gallery!

If you are seeking more Wright Flyer sculptures, check out the list below:

Sublocation:  Wright State University

City, State:     Dayton, Ohio

Year:               2019

Price range: $75.00 through $440.00

Product Description

1903 Wright Flyer suspended in the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library atrium at Wright State University in Dayton Ohio

The Story
Suspended in perfect symmetry beneath the apex of the Paul Laurence Dunbar Library atrium, a full-scale replica of the 1903 Wright Flyer appears to float effortlessly in open air. Framed by three levels of library stacks and bathed in soft interior light, the aircraft is surrounded not by sky, but by knowledge.
Wright State University honors its namesake inventors, Wilbur and Orville Wright, with this carefully constructed replica — assembled by volunteers under the leadership of Howard R. DuFour and installed on 4 September 2001. Positioned high above the atrium floor, the Flyer feels both weightless and grounded… a reminder that imagination and study often share the same space.
The Rest of the Story
What struck me most wasn’t simply the aircraft itself — it was the symmetry. Standing below, I noticed how the lines of the railings, the repeating geometry of the stacks, and the open vertical space all converge toward the Flyer. The design of the library almost feels intentional… as if the building were created to cradle flight.
There’s something poetic about a machine that first conquered the air now hanging above shelves filled with research, engineering, and history. The Flyer doesn’t soar here — it hovers — surrounded by ideas rather than wind.
In that stillness, the atrium becomes symbolic. Before there was flight, there was study. Before there were engines, there were sketches. This quiet installation captures that connection beautifully.

Additional Information

Weight N/A
Dimensions N/A
Size

12" x 18", 20" x 30", 30" x 45"
Media

Framed Giclee Canvas, Metal, Photo Paper

Framed Giclee Canvas Prints

My canvas prints originate from the highest quality equipment and techniques which produce an impressively vibrant and sturdy print.  Features of My Framed Giclee Canvas Prints include:
 

  • Light Weight:  Lacking the need of glass and matting, these canvas prints are light weight
  • More Print for Your Money:  Avoiding expensive glass and matting lowers costs
  • Archival:  The pigment inks are archival rated at 95 years
  • No Gallery-wrapped Hazards:  My framed giclee canvas prints avoid the hazards of traditional gallery wrapped canvas prints (print edges easily mar and the canvas tends to relax and warp).  My canvas is mounted to a solid surface so it will never warp and the outer frame protects the print’s edges.
  • Ready to Hang.  Your canvas print comes ready to hang with single wire fastened to two sturdy D-ring hangers (quality D-rings resist wire tension vice eye hooks).  We employ a plastic-coated wire which mitigates corrosion, prevents stray strands from puncturing a finger, and permits easier leveling of frame.  In paying attention to details, we also properly wire frame with some tension which ensures canvas hangs close to wall.
  • Optional Z-bar:  For larger prints (if requested), we employ a two-piece mounting cleat in lieu of a hanging wire.  In this option, the cleat attached to the back of the print fits securely over the reverse cleat that you attached to the wall.
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark.
  • Documentation:  I attached a certificate of authenticity to the back of each print.
  • Large Canvas Prints:  Though I can produce prints up to 40 x 60 inches, shipping in sizes 30 x 45 inches and above is expensive.  If you live in the Miami Valley, reach out to me about obtaining access to these larger print sizes.
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated boxes and shipping takes an additional 3 to 5 days.
A front and back image of my framed giclee canvas print presentation

Metal Prints

People are amazed by these metal prints…from the reactions I witness at art shows and exhibitions, I call them “eye candy”.  Dye sublimation prints offer the following characteristics:
 

  • Incredibly vibrant:  My prints start with a white gloss substrate which produces vivid colors and enthusiastic comments 
  • Extremely durable:  Our printer employs verified archival materials, so if handled properly the print will last over 100 years.  
  • Cleans easily:  If cleaning is required, owners can employ soft cloth.
  • Saves money:  Unlike paper prints which require protective glass, there is no need to cover the metal surface.  With no glass, there’s no longer a need for the expensive framing, matting and labor which drives up the cost for traditional paper prints.
  • Ready to hang:  We attach mounts to the back of the metal prints which provide gallery-preferred hang points, and elevates the print off the wall producing a floating effect.  
  • Optional Z-bar:  For larger prints (if requested), we employ a two-piece mounting cleat in lieu of a hanging wire.  In this option, the cleat attached to the back of the print fits securely over the reverse cleat that you attached to the wall. 
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark. 
  • Documentation:  I attached a certificate of authenticity to the back of each print.
  • Large Metal Prints:  Though I can produce prints up to 30 x 45 inches shipping is expensive.  If you live in the Miami Valley, reach out to me about obtaining access to these larger print sizes.  
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated boxes and shipping takes an additional 3 to 5 days. 
A front and back image of my metal print presentation

Photopaper Prints

People are amazed by these metal prints…from the reactions I witness at art shows and exhibitions, I call them “eye candy”.  Dye sublimation prints offer the following characteristics:
 

  • Archival:  Our printer employs verified archival materials, where the pigments are rated at 95 years provided the print is protected from UV Rays. 
  • Flexibility:  Ordering a print on photopaper allows clients to make their own framing and matting decisions for the ultimate customization experience. 
  • Watermark:  The final print you receive will not have a watermark. 
  • Documentation:  I include a certificate of authenticity with each print.  Once you frame the print, your framer can attach it to the rear of the print.
  • Final Product:  I have dedicated shipping tubes to hold the print until your framer is ready to mount and frame the print.
  • Shipping Times:  Creating the print takes about 2 weeks and can be ready for immediate local pick up.  For those outside the Miami Valley, I have dedicated shipping tubes which take an additional 3 to 5 days for shipping. 
A cardboard tube with white paper on top of it.

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