PNC Odyssey 2006-07 Sculpture Show Debuts

John Henry – Star Pointer Download photo here.

WESTVILLE – Purdue University North Central celebrates the eighth year of its Odyssey Arts and Cultural Events Series. The Odyssey Cultural Series features a number of events throughout the year, including exhibits of art, film showings and presentations. The Odyssey 2006-07 sculpture exhibit brings together six new sculptures that bring a total of 24 sculptures to grace the 268-acre campus of PNC.

S. Thomas Scarff, in his eighth year as curator of the PNC Odyssey sculpture exhibits, remarks, “Very original work this year, and John Henry’s 75-foot red-steel work of art is a must-see.

Artists who will debut works as part of Odyssey 2006-07 are:

Ron Gard – French Kiss. “Much of my work involves shapes that fold back on themselves or are juxtaposed to create a sense of tension or animation. In ‘French Kiss’ the 2 blade-like shapes have achieving a balance and peace as a result. Relationships, both personal and global, have these same passionate characteristics.”

John Henry – Star Pointer. Henry, whose work is on five continents, has created a 75-foot-high piece which is on loan for one year. “Americans need a reference point. What people find pleasing has to do with

their own visual vocabulary, how willing they are to take in visual information. Ours is a young country, a pioneer country, still about the business of making an impact.”

Dessa Kirk – Demeter. This 20-foot-high piece, made out of recycled metals, features Kirks’ face sculpted from a fiberglass mold representing the Greek goddess of the harvest. Kirk’s popular pieces are also featured in Chicago on Michigan Avenue.

Travis Lanning – Amalgamate. One sculpture composed of three large turtle-like creatures, Amalgamate, speaks to minute details of living thing. My pieces are often based on my fascination for, and frustration with, the unknown. I am compelled by the notion that it is truly impossible to be certain about anything.”

Fritz Olsen – Sunflower Family. “A father, mother and child” group of carved marble sunflowers, five to nine feet tall. The blooms turn in this charming, contemporary installation which displays Olsen’s unique skill.

Michael Young – Swoop. A stainless steel 20-foot abstract work lighted by neon, Swoop, suggests a rush of energy or flight. It is located on Hwy 421.

Existing Odyssey pieces are:

John Adduci – Running Arch

Mike Helbing – Skynet with Objects, My Victory at Samothrace

Michele Goldstrom – Oh! 

Kara James – Handmade Revolution

Rob Lorenson – Sentinel, First Gear

Eric Nordgulen – Anatomy Vessel

David Noguchi – Rise

Tom Scarff – Geisha Rose, Rainbow Flyer, Windfighter, Fighter

Jessica M. Swift – Light Time/Flight Time

Barry Tinsley – Springville Portal

Michael Young – A Point Free

Zelda Werner – Alexander's Circus

Bruce White – Twin Fin Continuum

Most works are for sale.

The Odyssey sculpture exhibit is open to the public during university hours. Visitors are encouraged to come on Thursdays and Fridays when parking is ample. (The PNC Gallery Café, which is open to visitors, serves breakfast or lunch.) Self-guided sculpture tour maps can be downloaded at www.pnc.edu/cd/odyssey/2007/flyer.pdf.

The Web site for the Odyssey 2006-07 sculpture exhibit is www.pnc.edu/cd/odyssey/2007. Information on group tours is available by contacting Judy Jacobi, director of marketing at800-872-1231, ext. 5593. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations should contact ext. 5593.

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