Plans to build USD Sculpture Walk in place

The University of South Dakota is collaborating with Sioux Falls’ SculptureWalk to bring six sculptures to campus by this fall.

The sculptures will be on lease, at $1,500 individually per year, and will come with a total price tag of $9,000.

The contemporary sculptures were chosen by a committee consisting of the Dean of the College of Fine Arts Larry Schou, Director of Planning and Construction Catherine Wagner and Exectutive Administration Assistant Laura McNaughton after SculptureWalk sent out an international call to artists.

The call did not focus on South Dakota artists or USD alumni.

“There was an international call that included South Dakota. It was up to them to submit their work,” Schou said.

Jim Clark, director of Sioux Falls SculptureWalk, said the university will begin with six sculptures but the campus could eventually get up to 10. The sculptures would stay on campus for two years, and then would be cycled out.

Schou said diversity was an important factor in the selection process, including nationality, gender and the sexual orientation of the artists.

“We made sure to consider diversity,” Schou said.

The materials the sculptures were made of are also considered essential, as they had to be able to withstand the weather.

“We were very specific in making sure they would withstand the long term,” Schou said.

Brochures containing information about the artists and the sculptures will be made and distributed around Vermillion in order to inform tourists of their locations. As part of the SculptureWalk program, the sculptures are be available for purchase. If a sculpture is bought, USD will receive a percentage of the income.

Locations for the statues will be soil tested before the concrete bases are installed, and are currently marked with wooden stakes.

Schou said he feels displaying art on campus is important for a liberal arts university.

“Art encourages the viewer to think,” Schou said. “It is meant for people to stop, reflect and review the piece. Art is part of the approach to creative thinking.”

Schou also has hopes the sculptures will create gathering spots for students.

“It could be a reflection spot,” Schou said. “They are spots where students will want to hang out.”

First-year Zach Nelson said he is looking forward to the sculptures being on campus.

“Everyone always talks about sports, because it is easy to transmit,” Nelson said. “When you see art, people start talking about art. It’s important to see what artists are doing.”

Although the artists aren’t local, Nelson still sees the art as contributing to campus.

“Art adds scenic value to campus,” Nelson said. “Either way, art on campus is art on campus.”