The North American Sundial Society is an association of people from a wide variety of disciplines who are interested in the study, development, history, and preservation of sundials and the art of dialing throughout the continent.

The Society is an association (convened in 1994) for those who view the sundial as something more than a simple garden decoration.

There was a time, not that long ago, when an appreciation of dials in all their various forms was an integral part of the scientific and mathematical training of any well-educated person.

NASS hearkens back to such a time and offers sundial enthusiasts at all levels of expertise an opportunity to learn, to interact, and to exchange ideas and information.

Phoenix, AZ - Large ground-level circular concrete slab, with Roman numerals.

View the Online Registry.

New: Sawyer Dialing Prize. See the new tab under conferences. Read about the origin of the NASS Sawyer Dialing Prize and the recipients over the last decade.

A SUNDIAL
FOR
THE ARBORETUM at PENN STATE

Pennsylvania State University is calling for entries to design and build a major sundial for the H.O. Smith Botanical Gardens at The Arboretum in State College PA at the edge of the Dickinson School of Law. The Call for Entries opened 12/9/2009 and has a deadline of 1/5/2009 for receipt of the entry form and CD images of prior work. The project is being funded in two stages: the first one with a commitment of $25,000 will cover the design fee, selection process expenses, reimbursable expenses, a rendering of the approved design and an estimate of construction and installation cost to be provided by the selected design team. If the design is approved by the University Outdoor Public Art Committee and the Arboretum Design Committee, the project will move to the second stage with a commitment of not to exceed $75,000 that will cover construction and installation of the project including all site development and landscaping. Click Here to download PDF of Penn State Arboretum Site Plan Click Here to download PDF of Penn State Call for Entries, Instructions and Entry Form

NEW SUNDIAL WEBSITE

There is a new sundials website from Dariusz Ocki. Although just starting up, it shows lots of potential. At the moment the website is only in Polish, but it is well worth visiting: http://gnomonika.pl or http://zegarysloneczne.info

CITY OF BOWIE, MARYLAND SELECTS
SUNDIALIST SEMIFINALISTS

The Public Art Selection Panel has selected three semifinalists out of nearly sixty applicants for the $100,000 sundial grant to design and fabricate a public sundial in front of Bowie’s new City Hall. The completion of the sundial is being timed for the opening of the new City Hall and will be the main feature in the central plaza in front of the entrance.

The semifinalists are being invited to The City of Bowie, MD to meet the town council and hold a charrette with the public to get an appreciation for the history and interests of this community that was founded in 1870 as a railroad town. Bowie’s motto “Growth, Unity, Progress” is a fitting description of this dynamic family-oriented community.

The semifinalists are being asked for a preliminary design drawing or model of their vision for the Bowie Sundial and will be judged this coming January. What should the City of Bowie and sundialists expect? Here are their qualifications:

Click here for Alvin Sher       Click here for Gino Schiavone       Click here for Rafe Ropek