SIUE Sculpture on Campus Event to Showcase Grand Scale Works of Art
Captivating outdoor sculptures pepper the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus, ready for their artistic debut during the 15th Annual SIUE Sculpture Walk at 4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25. The 12 works of art were designed and installed by current students through the “Sculpture on Campus” (SoC) program.
“I don’t know of any other program like this in the country,” said Thad Duhigg, PhD, professor in the SIUE Department of Art and Design. “This year’s pieces are incredibly impressive. Participants have outdone themselves.”
In addition to this year’s sculpture walk, the SoC program will include a public lecture with renowned sculptor Patrick Dougherty, from 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday, Sept. 23 in Room 1104 of Art and Design West. Following Friday’s tour, there will be an awards ceremony in the lobby of Art and Design East at 6 p.m.
This year, the program has expanded to include a photograph exhibit of Dougherty’s work from 7-9 p.m. in the gallery located in Art and Design West. Dougherty is famous for combining his carpentry skills with his love of nature to create large scale whimsical pieces by weaving materials such as vines and small trees.
“Dougherty is an internationally acclaimed sculptor who involves communities and students in the installation of his work,” explained Duhigg. “His experience interacting with students makes him the perfect guest as this program is an opportunity for SIUE students to build their portfolios and resumes.”
“The program bridges the gap from academia to the world of professional artistry,” explained Brad Eilering, participating artist and fine arts/sculpture graduate student. “It allows the opportunity to refine presentation, design and fabrication skills suitable for large scale public works built to weather the elements.”
Among the featured artwork to be displayed on campus are themes of handcrafted forms in nature, excessive plastic waste in the ocean, technological addiction, spinal articulations and more.
According to Duhigg, the SoC program continues to thrive and expand thanks to the support of SIUE Vice Chancellor for Administration Kenn Neher, the fundraising efforts of the student organization Sculptors at Wagner and generous donations. The Cedarhurst Center for the Arts and Edwardsville Arts Center will also contribute to the participating students’ success by featuring selected art pieces.
The original sculpture designs will remain on display on the SIUE campus for one year.
Photos: Patrick Dougherty’s Birthday Palace (2014) National Tropical Botanical Garden, Kauai, HI. Photo courtesy NTBG.
Patrick Dougherty’s Fit for a Queen (2014) Ville de Nantes, France. Photo courtesy Sapristi- Emmanuelle Tran-le.
