Brian Bolton, who graduated from Radford High School in 1971 and hasn't been back for 30 years, was poking around the Salt Lake campus and said things pretty much look the same. Except for that sculpture out front ... Radford sculpture
embodies ideal of
diversity on campusDon't fret, Brian, it was installed just a couple of weeks ago. A kind of rococo blend of romantic iconography, Soviet realism and that kind of monster movie where the creature is made up of bits all shmushed together, the piece is called "Striving For Excellence," and the sculptor is Jan Fisher.
It was commissioned by the State Foundation on Culture and the Arts' "Art in Public Places" program. There was an advisory committee with folks from Radford's administration, staff, students and the community.
The piece combines icons of students doing stuff like studying and wrestling. Explains Fisher: "Striving for Excellence in school activities, academics, cultural enrichment, and athletics, Radford High School students celebrate strength in diversity. These five figures represent multicultural backgrounds, standing unified and empowered on the pillar of education. Though different in activity and ethnicity, they act and move in harmony."
O-kay. Fisher, who has lived in Hawaii since Brian Bolton was a sophomore at Radford, was born in California in 1938. He created those cool statues of Duke Kahanamoku, Robert Wilcox and Princess Kaiulani elsewhere around town.
Burl Burlingame
Curious about something you've seen or heard? Write "Wat Dat?" 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, Honolulu 96813; or e-mail watdat@starbulletin.com
Click for online
calendars and events.
