Unveiling of "Totem Stack" |
"Totem Stack," a 10-foot sculpture of welded steel and cast glass, was unveiled on May 7, 1998 at the south entrance of the Arts and Sciences Commons at Ferris State University. The sculpture, created by Ferndale artist Albert Young, is illuminated from within.Young, whose education includes studies in Italy and Taiwan, holds a master of Fine Arts from Wayne State University. His works are part of the permanent collections of the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Osaka University of Arts in Japan. The World Heritage Foundation, an organization dedicated to "helping make a difference in the areas of health, education, welfare, arts, and culture," funded "Totem Stack." The Foundation's president, Waltraud E. Prechter, spoke on the subject "Why We Support the Arts" at the dedication ceremony. Other speakers included Larry Roman, vice chair, FSU Board of Trustees; and Bill Sederburg, Ferris president. Dr. Brent Knight, a Ferris alumnus, gave a special presentation on "Business and the Arts." Susan Reardon, vice president of University Advancement and Marketing, was master of ceremonies for the sculpture dedication. "Totem Stack" is the third sculpture dedicated to Ferris' Michigan Art Walk. "Dimensional Learning, " a three-piece sculpture by Barron Naegel of Ann Arbor, and the four-figured "Escape," by R. Farrington Sharp of Dexter, were dedicated in 1996 and 1997, respectively. The Ferris Renaissance program is a 20-year vision for aesthetically improving the campus. The Michigan Art Walk, a key element of that program, is composed of original artworks, created by Michigan artists, strategically placed throughout campus. The artworks will be linked by a brick pathway that will ultimately reach into the Big Rapids community.
The unveiling ceremony was funded by the Pioneer Group, sponsor of the 1997-98 Ferris Renaissance activities. |