Origin Story
This one-of-a-kind collection of snow crystals owes its existence to the innovative work of Eric Erbe who was a leading microscopist at the USDA. Eric developed and perfected a method to collect, store, transport and ultimately image snow crystals using his lab’s scanning electron microscope. Over the years, Eric captured thousands of crystals which were then studied and analyzed by researchers at NASA as part of their snow and ice moisture content studies. Ultimately, these snow crystal images offer a truly original way to view one of nature’s premier works of art, up close and personal.
There is a lot more to this story—cryo units and scanning electron microscopes and baths in liquid nitrogen—all necessary for the snow crystal images you see. And then there’s the magical love story between me and Eric, where the scientist and the artist find more in common than they could ever have imagined.
I recently wrote an article for the Highland Outdoors Magazine entitled "The Shape of Snow." I encourage you to check it out to learn even more about Eric and his work with snow.
The Snow Gallery is an evolution of scientific curiosity morphing into fine art. These snow crystals live on as a legacy to Eric and his life's work as a scientist, adventurer, innovator and loving husband.
Our Print Options
We currently offer five styles of high quality print materials and mounting options. We hope you find something that fits your style and decor. If not, please contact us at hello@snowgallery.com to discuss a custom quote.
SATIN LUSTER PAPER PRINTS W/ FOAM CORE
Pigmented archival inks are fade resistant and provide a superior color range. Our prints use Satin Luster Paper; a high-quality, 11mil, 300g professional photo paper. Somewhere between matte and gloss, it feels like a traditional dark room finish. Using high-quality paper and ink creates a vibrant print that will last for many years.
We add a 1” border to each stand-alone print to facilitate framing, and it ships flat (never rolled!).
If you are ordering the paper print, we highly recommend you get it framed as soon as possible to help preserve the fidelity of the art. In a sun-lit room, consider using museum glass to prevent fading.
Current average delivery time: 4-9 business days.
FRAMED FINE ART PAPER PRINTS
If elegance and tradition speak to you, our framed prints will too: printed with archival inks on Satin Luster Paper then mounted to conservation grade 100% virgin alpha-cellulose 2 ply mats with white core. Acid-free and lignin-free, these are both fade resistant and meet all conservation quality standards set by the Fine Art Trade Guild. Conservation Reflection Control acrylic glass protects the image with a matte finish, blocking 99% of UV rays, reducing glare and preserving color. Set within a contemporary black frame, the snow crystal is ready to grace the wall of your home or office with style.
Current average delivery time: 7-11 business days.
HD FACE MOUNTED ACRYLIC PRINTS
Images are printed using the same Satin Luster Paper and archival inks found in our Framed and stand-alone print options. They are then mounted to ¼” Non-Glare Acrylic to provide a sleek, modern, luminescent finish. Hanging hardware is included; the print appears to suspend slightly out from the wall.
Current average delivery time: 7-11 business days.
HD METAL PRINTS
The snow crystal image is fused onto .045“ (1.14 mm) ChromaLuxe® aluminum panel with a white-gloss or white-matte finish using Epson® Dye Sublimation Inks. A metal float mounting bracket extends the print from the wall approximately ½”, casting a shadow on the wall creating a sleek, modern presentation.
When choosing between the white-gloss or white-matte option, consider where you may be hanging the piece and keep in mind that the matte option reduces glare.
Current average delivery time: 4-9 business days.
COMING SOON
We have big ideas about additional printing methods, be sure to sign up for our newsletter to keep up to date!