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Ferris Sculpture Exhibit Features Aesthetic Engineering

Ferris State University College of Engineering Technology students are combining engineering knowledge, mechanical applications and artistic creativity to design aesthetic sculpture pieces that will be displayed in the Rankin Art Gallery through Tuesday, Nov. 22.

“Aesthetic Engineering Art Design is building academic bridges through real-world problems,” said Robert Barnum, professor of Fine Arts, resident artist and a concept designer. “The Fine Arts Department has bridged a marriage with the College of Engineering Technology to solve fine arts problems through engineering.”

The current exhibit in the Rankin Art Gallery presents art from concept to on-site art under the aesthetic engineering design and it presents students work from the beginning sculpture class “Three Dimensional Design.” The goal of the academic concept is to realize real-world challenges and to embrace giving back to the communities that support the university.

“Students have learned how to design and use proper engineering techniques through creativity,” Barnum said. “Aesthetic Engineering is created to be unique, maintenance free, personal narrative and to have incredible life spans.”

Several sculpture pieces are on display around the city of Big Rapids. The pieces are located at Chemical, Lake-Osceola State and Isabella banks, in addition to a sculpture that was designed for Ferris’ 125th anniversary celebration.

The Rankin Art Gallery is the host of the student sculpture exhibits through Nov. 22. Gallery hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. through 3 p.m. on Saturday.

For more information on this event contact Carrie Weis, director of the Rankin Art Gallery, at (231) 591-2536.