Client: Class of '53, University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Location: Greensboro, NC, United States
Completion date: 2003
Artwork budget: $200,000
Project Team
Artist
James Barnhill
Landscape Architect
Jimmy Wiggins
North State Monument
Overview
Bronze, 2003
9'x4'x4' (19' including pedestal)
Universty of North Carolina at Greensboro
Greensboro, North Carolina
Goals
Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, represents the alma mater (nurturing mother) of the institution. The goal was to create a sculpture to inspire and encourage passing students.
Process
I met repeatedly with the committee representing the class of '53 and especially Dot Kearns as point person. We arrived at a gesture which depicts come, be filled with knowledge, and go forth.
Additional Information
A humorous note about this project is that the students interact with this sculpture in an unexpected way. At the end of each semester, apples are laid at the feet of Minerva for good luck on upcoming tests. This has become a tradition that has been passed down for many years. See Minerva in action via this link: https://youtu.be/ZMdzQ-T72mg