Client: Yale University

Location: New Haven, CT, United States

Completion date: 2021

Project Team

Sculptor

Archie Held

Archie Held Studio

Collaborator

Ed Barlow

Self

Overview

The sculpture “Aspire” was commissioned for Yale University. It was given a place of honor facing Yale Law School. Made in bronze and standing 15’ tall, the sculpture was installed in 2021.

Goals

The sculpture is located near three important buildings, The Book and Snake Society, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library and Yale Law School. Taking this into account I wanted to acknowledge the importance of books and the value of education. With this in mind I strived to create an inspiring and uplifting form.

Process

The sculpture had a large team behind it starting with a generous donor. I met and worked with landscape architects, engineers, contractors, alumni and the Vice Provost of the university. The talented team at my studio in California, art movers and installers all made this possible.