Digital/lighting/projection art
Site-specific and integrated art
Live performance, including puppetry, theater, dance, music, and spoken word poetry, etc.
Pittsburgh Creative Corps Artist Directory
Cornelius Henke III
ProjectileObjects LLC
Primary Discipline
Artistic Practice
Light, including projection and custom-built electronic systems
Fabrication, including wood, metal, glass
Site-specificity determines materials used
Living Lights, 2021, addressable RBG LEDs. Evolving light installation along 18 trees on Forbes Avenue in the Oakland neighborhood.
Spirit Ceiling, 2023, warm white LEDs and addressable RGBW LEDs. Lighting installation at Spirit in Pittsburgh, PA.
Glowland Sign, 2023, wood, silicone, neon LED lights, 4′ x 33.’ Created for the Oakland Business Improvement District.
Time Light, 2022, LED lights and aluminum channel. Installation as part of “LightPlay” at the Carrie Blast Furnaces.
Dippy Neon Sunglasses, 2022. Created for Dippy the Dinosaur at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History as part of Glowland in the Oakland neighborhood.
About the Artist
Cornelius Henke III is a Pittsburgh-based light artist and the founder of ProjectileObjects. His creative practice is centered on transforming public spaces through site-responsive light installations. Believing that art can make communities safer, more engaging, and inspiring, Henke’s work turns everyday environments—from city corridors to public plazas—into memorable experiences.
He manages the full lifecycle of his projects, from initial concept to installation, expertly wielding a diverse palette of light sources—including custom LED systems, projection mapping, lasers, gobos, and interactive installations—to achieve his artistic vision. This hands-on approach ensures artistic integrity while optimizing for budget, quality, and long-term serviceability. Henke is a proven collaborator, having worked extensively with organizations like the Oakland Business Improvement District (OBID) on large-scale, impactful projects such as the annual “Glowland” festival. To help grow the local creative community, he also shares his technical expertise by teaching workshops at Tech25. Through his work, he seeks to foster moments of connection and hope, demonstrating how creative light can profoundly uplift the public realm, especially after dark.
Photo courtesy of the artist
Web
Accreditations, Certifications, and/or Awards
- MEWP (Lift Certified), SunBelt Rentals, 2021
- Certificate in Power Distribution Products, LEX Products, 2025
- Laser Safety Certification, Pangolin Lasers, 2025
Provides Fabrication Services to Other Artists
Yes
Teaching Artist
Yes, 18 and up
Joined the Directory
October 2025
Related
PROJECT
Pittsburgh Creative Corps
Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.
“Public art is about weaving wonder directly into the fabric of the public realm. It's an invitation for shared experience, transforming everyday environments into spaces of connection, joy, and solace.”
Cornelius Henke III
Contact the Artist
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Related
PROJECT
Pittsburgh Creative Corps
Designed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pittsburgh Creative Corps initiative engages artists and creative workers to activate the public realm while providing economic opportunity.
