Kim stated that public art is art which is or is meant to be accessible to the general public.  This may be in parks, gardens, hotels, public buildings, airports, company offices, on electrical boxes, such as we have here in Beaumont, and on the campuses of universities.  Studies have found that exposure to art helps boost creativity, and many universities have acquired art for their campuses.  Rice University has many art installations, including some sculptures inspired by mathematical concepts.  The University of Houston has acquired over 450 pieces for their campus, including work by renowned artist Frank Stella.  The University of Texas has acquired or commissioned 45 major pieces of public art, including the $1.4 million “canoe sculpture” by Nancy Rubins.

 

So what is art really worth?  The quick definition is that art is worth what someone is willing to pay for it.  Local and regional artists may create and sell works at a fraction of what an internationally-known artist will be able to garner for their creations.  However, that same piece created and sold for little money by a new artist could grow exponentially in value when the same artist later develops an international reputation.

 

Many public entities, including Lamar University, have adopted the idea of “A percent for art”.  This policy states that on any project of over 1 million dollars, 1 percent will be set aside for the acquisition of public art.  Lamar University’s late First Lady, Nancy Evans formed a committee which put together a vision statement establishing the University’s guidelines and reasons for acquiring and placing public art on campus.  This new vision was first implemented with the construction of the Reaud Administration Building and Honors College.  Outside of the building are granite sculptures by the late Rockport sculptor Jesus Morales which were created just for this space.  The “Spirit Columns” and accompanying benches were all carved from a single block of granite.  Unfortunately, Jesus died in an auto accident before the sculptures were completed, but his studio was able to finalize the project and the installation.  Inside the building is a painting by Michael Kennaugh, a well-respected artist and a Lamar graduate, photographs by internationally recognized Lamar University professor Keith Carter and wall releif sculptures by Dallas artist Rusty Scruby.

 

In the Center for Innovation, Commercialization, and Entrepreneurship (CICE) Building, there is a “Musical Stelae” sculpture by Jesus Moroles in the entryway which will make musical sounds if you run your hand gently along its edge (touching of public art without express permission is never recommended and could lead to deterioration of the piece).  In the Quad, there is a sculpture by James Surls, a major Texas sculptor who moved to Colorado ten years ago.

 

The latest and most impressive additions to public art at Lamar University are both inside and outside the new Science and Technology Center, the newest addition to the campus.  Outside in the garden area is a kinetic sculpture by internationally-recognized New Orleans artist Lin Emery, who at 92 is still actively making artwork.  Inside the building, there is a floor-to-ceiling mosaic by accomplished Houston artist, Dixie Friend Gay that will astound you with its vibrancy.  There is also Minimalist sculpture by former Lamar student Steve Murphy, an oil painting by LU alum John Alexander and a monoprint series by artist Joan Winter, and more!  There are 11 pieces in all in and around the new STEM center, and all for student enrichment and public viewing.

 

Kim invited everyone to come out to the Lamar campus, walk in and around the new buildings and greenspaces.  Take some time to enjoy both the new and redesigned buildings of the campus, and let the public art be your inspiration!  Support public art!