Sunseed
Aluminium, 1955
The Butterfly Effect
This 2012 piece, situated in Wells Hall, reflects the mathematics and language programs housed within the building. It is inspired by Lorenz Attractor and The Chaos Theory. The purple, tubular shapes are reminiscent of megaphones or satellite dishes and these facets of the piece symbolically combine the language and math departments that bring a unique feel … Continued
The Modern Man I Sing
Three mural panels in the entrance foyer of the Auditorium display themes typical of government-sponsored art of the 1930s and 40s. We Assure Freedom to the Free (1944), the central figure of Abraham Lincoln in Proclamation of Emancipation (1943), and the words of Walt Whitman in The Modern Man I Sing (1944), emphasize the importance … Continued
The Natural
A young boy ready to play baseball, this sculpture fits perfectly into the atmosphere of Cooley Law School Stadium, home of the Lansing Lugnuts. Currently, further information on this sculpture is still being researched.
The Spartan (original “Sparty” Statue)
The Spartan serves as the official mascot of Michigan State University: a muscular male Spartan warrior/athlete dressed in stylized Greek costume. However, many current students do not realize that the current “Sparty” standing outside MSU’s Spartan Stadium is not the original. Due to years of precipitation, extreme cold and vandalism, the original terra cotta statue eventually needed intensive … Continued
The Twentieth Day of Autumn
Artist Stephanie Palagyi observed the natural landscape surrounding the Red Cedar River to find inspiration for her 2013 painting, The Twentieth Day of Autumn. Her intricate design represents the root system of trees that have become exposed, revealing complex yet beautiful natural systems, that expose themselves over time.
Thomas Jefferson
This 2007 bronze sculpture of Thomas Jefferson conveys the idea that hard work and dedication nurture growth not only of plants, but also of the human body, mind, and spirit. (Source: MSU Public Art on Campus Committee)
Three Graces
Ceramic, 72in. Tall
Three Musicians
The Three Musicians is all that remains of a pair of large angular cast-concrete sculptural groupings that flanked the streamlined 1930s MSU Band Shell. The Cubist sculpture, which depicts a bass player, drummer, and saxophonist, was moved to its present site when the band shell was destroyed in 1959. Concrete, 60 in. by 84 in. … Continued
Tilted Windows and Wavelength
The artist, Linda Leviton, challenged herself by seeking to create an artistic representation of the scientific work done in the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory. Thinking of her audiences, Linda wanted the scientists at work to be able to recognize her artwork as a piece of both the science and of representing to the art world. Her … Continued
Transient
The artist, Matthew Boonstra, is a graduate of Michigan State University and a three-year resident of Owen Graduate Hall who modeled this piece after his time spent at the residence hall. He describes his experience as “transformative” and wants the piece to reflect that. He says students are physically, intellectually, and creatively mobile and are constantly discovering … Continued
Tut-Tut
Affixed to a solid block of sculpted concrete, Tut-Tut stands just under 10 feet tall and viewers will be treated to many diverse interpretations depending on where they approach this massive, two-dimensional conceptual art piece. An original work of art, Tut-Tut adds a powerful and storied atmosphere to the patio of the University Center at … Continued
Twyla
This 2007 sculpture’s name is inspired by both the artist’s granddaughter, Twyla, and the professional dancer and choreographer, Twyla Tharp. The work invokes the Bill Barrett’s gravitation to the freedoms embodied in Abstract Expressionism. For example, Twyla’s “expressive gesture hints at fluid movement, human form, grace and balance with an energetic tension visible from all vantage points”. (Source: Public … Continued
Underwear City
Underwear City (2009) is Lisa Sanditz’s representation of the economic, cultural and environment degradation of China’s production and foreign consumption. She strives to make a connection between everyday items and their source of production.
Union WPA Mural
This 1937 Works Progress Administration (WPA) mural, by artist Edgar Yaeger, was originally part of a triptych located in the Public Lighting Commission Building in downtown Detroit. It was removed when the building was destroyed and replaced by the Renaissance Center in the 1960’s. Though the complete mural was discovered behind wood paneling, only two of the sections, including this … Continued
Unity III
There is a captivating energy and sense of movement created by the connectivity and magnetism of the sculpture’s form, representing the cohesion of mankind into a universal form. In its purest sense, the sculpture depicts people coming together and the inherent beauty of this synergy. The artist’s life is rooted in the belief that people … Continued
US 1-9
US 1-9 represents a personal experience the artist had while driving on a maze of highways to his first teaching experience at Rutgers University. This experience inspired the concept of a large sculpture representing a highway interchange that would be placed into a hill. The full-scale piece was never implemented. The sculpture was donated to … Continued
Vestigial Block
Known for his work in African and Cambrian black granite, artist Jonathon Prince has broadened his visual inquiry through a vanguard technique of “tearing steel.” He begins by reducing the steel to its most elemental state: the more basic the shape, in his words, “the more past and future seem indistinguishable.” In the TORN STEEL series, … Continued
Veterinarians: Caring For Animals and the Public’s Health
This sculpture was commissioned by the dean of the Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine for the college. it consists of two stainless steel hands holding a companion animal (dog), a food animal (Zebu cow), and a wild animal (eagle). The circle symbolizes the circle of life. Stainless steel, bronze on granite base, 94 … Continued
We Assure Freedom to the Free
Three mural panels in the entrance foyer of the Auditorium display themes typical of government-sponsored art of the 1930s and 40s. We Assure Freedom to the Free (1944), the central figure of Abraham Lincoln in Proclamation of Emancipation (1943), and the words of Walt Whitman in The Modern Man I Sing (1944), emphasize the importance … Continued
Windows
Made by former MSU Art professor Mel Leiserowitz. Cast concrete. [photos.msu.edu; publicart.msu.edu] 1925
Windrapids II
Artist Russell Thayer writes: “This sculpture is designed to be a bright arrow pointing to the recessed entry of the building complex that is otherwise invisible to the people or vehicles coming down the street. It is a welcoming gazebo-like structure encouraging interaction between the people and the artwork, a place of congregation for the users of the building. … Continued
Write On!
Have a seat outside on the north side of the Arts & Sciences Building on Write On!, a set of whimsical typewriter-style key stools designed and engineered especially for LCC. Relax, rest, and reflect on one of three stools thoughtfully placed where students, faculty, and staff can enjoy the beauty on campus as well as take … Continued
Young Girl
Bronze, 13 in. by 44 in.
Young Girl and Fawn
Bronze, 18 in. by 52 in.