AMBER MATTICE
Reverb Editor
Art on campus is no strange occurrence. There is always a piece to see no matter where one is in Fredonia, and this year the campus is decorated with yet another new sculpture.
“Cutter” was donated by the artist Eric Stein through the In Sight/On Site program. Stein is a Fredonia alumni of the class of 1974 and, according to Barbara Racker, director of the Marion Art Gallery, “has fond memories of his years at Fredonia and is thrilled that we accepted the sculpture.”
Stein’s piece “Cloud Stop” was the inaugural piece for the In Sight/On Site program in 1998.
“Cutter” was placed during the summer in the Science Quad. After it was installed, Stein and his wife Roberta, spent two days repainting it.
There is no doubt that many returning students have noticed the bright blue geometric shape when walking to class every day. The placement of the sculpture was very intentional and chosen by a committee, consisting of Racker as well as members of Art Forum, such as President Sarah Reimer.
“It is a hard-edge geometric sculpture that works well with the architecture of the [Science Center.] The color compliments the [Science Center] and contrasts the red brick buildings. ‘Cutter’ also contrasts the larger ‘Suitcase’ by Steven Siegel,” Racker stated. “Siegel’s sculpture is ephemeral and will be taken down when it starts deteriorating. ‘Cutter’ will remain. The quad was one of several spaces mapped out by a campus-wide committee years ago for the placement of [a new] sculpture. The current committee primarily abides by that map.”
The new home of the sculpture in a high-traffic area at the heart of campus gives students the best chance to see it.
Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of showcasing art on campus is having the opportunity to hear a variety of student reactions and interpretations of the individual pieces. Both Racker and Reimer have heard faculty and students call the sculpture many different things, a couple being crystals or rock formations and a music note.
Art Forum is particularly excited to have “Cutter” on campus because it is the only sculpture they will be able to bring on campus this year.
On top of that, the campus will be losing “Progression” by Albert Paley, which was brought in last year. The massive white piece between Fenton Hall and Central Avenue came to campus on a one year loan and will now be moved to Sculpture Fields in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
“‘Cutter’ is a really great piece for us to have on this campus. I love that Eric Stein gifted this to us, and that we get to display an alumni’s professional work. As a sculpture major here, it is so inspiring seeing a former student’s success,” said Reimer, a junior double major in BFA sculpture and graphic design. “As for the piece itself, I really enjoy Stein’s use of vibrant, geometric forms. I think this is a perfect piece for us to have on this campus.”
Reimer also stressed that even though Art Forum will not be able to bring more sculptures on campus this year, there will be a plethora of great art events, and student artwork will be showcased both on- and off-campus.