Client: University of Louisville (KY) School of Music

Overview

2 large stainless sculptures with programmed light, a programmed light sculpture, 3 arcing benches of stepped glass block, internally lighted to project through mist illuminating overhanging trees.

Goals

The Reanimation of the courtyard was conceived to 1. Enhance the School’s ability to promote both performance attendance and development goals. 2. Serve the University’s goal of engaging the broader community and 3. Further the visual recognition of the School as an important contributor to campus life. Artwork was at the core of this plan.

Process

The sculpture Effervescence was conceived to give the Schools austere appearance a more progressive face while appealing to the broadest range of music devotees. (The School subsequently adopted a cluster of the notes as a logo.)

In 2017, I worked with a team of Dave Caudill and Charlotte Paul who collaborated with me in proposing a group of projects focused on transforming the space and entrance experience. In 2018, the lighting of Effervescence and light sculpture Corona were completed. 2019 saw the design development of Fanfare, a large exclamation mark celebrating the programs and people pivotal to the School’s history. This sculpture is scheduled to be completed in 2020. Throughout planning, Dean Emeritus Christopher Doane was integrally involved in the evolution of the design, which celebrates the programs and people pivotal to the history of the School. The glass benches will be constructed in 2022-3.

Additional Information

The illuminated courtyard has become quite popular with the Music School community as well as visitors from the city's music lovers. Budget quoted includes the glass benches yet to be built.