Katelynn Bliven | Freelancer

Seemingly out of nowhere, large metal flowers have blossomed to life in front of the Richard Woodcock Education Center. The artwork, titled “Growth”, was the result of an Oregon Arts Commission program to provide high quality, accessible and permanent art in public spaces.

While many students are delighted and intrigued by this latest addition to Western’s outdoor art collection, some are very confused by their spontaneous appearance.

“It’s very cool, I really like the design they made,” said Stephen D. “I don’t know why they’re there, but it doesn’t surprise me because there are a lot of outdoor sculptures around campus.”

Mike Elliot, Western’s construction manager, helped clear up some of the confusion surrounding the sculpture. Elliot explained that it was the result of a program that began in 1975 called Percent for Art. According to the Oregon Arts Commission website, all state building construction plans in Oregon with budgets over $100,000 must set aside no less than 1 percent of their funds for public art. This is why, nearly a year a half after the official opening of the Richard Woodcock Education Center, the artwork seemed to spring up from nowhere.

The theme of “Growth” was decided by the Oregon Arts Commission. After much discussion, the commission decided on the flowers. “Because it was an education building, it needed to speak to growth,” said Elliot.

Once artwork is submitted, the committee then chooses the artist that best represents the initial idea with their concept and design. With the theme of flowers in mind, project manager Kate Ali selected from a state roster of artists that might be interested in creating the piece. For this piece, the Oregon Arts Committee chose Washington artist, Paul Sorey.

Sorey has experience with public works of art. His portfolio consists of “Salmon Waves,” located at the Ballard Locks in Seattle, Washington and “Flow & Flower” at Tahoma High School in Maple Valley, Washington. Many of his previous pieces share a common theme — growth and change.

When asked, several students gave their thoughts on the newest campus monument. Senior Marie B. commented on the aesthetic of the sculpture, “They look cool and modern, especially when the LED lights are on.” “Growth” glows a blue and purple color at night, which makes this latest addition stand out against the other outdoor art on campus.

Junior Susie R. exclaims, “I love it, especially at night. I would love to see more of this around campus.”

Other pieces that came to Western as a result of this program include the stone sculpture in front of Rice Auditorium titled “Oregon Rivers” by Thomas Rudd and the tapestry that hangs in Hamersly Library titled “Soliloquy” by Shelley Socolofsky.

Contact the author at kbliven14@wou.edu

Photo by: Paul F. Davis