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Inside Iowa State, a newspaper for faculty and staff, is published by the Office of University Relations.

August 12, 2004

Campus sculptures headed to the fair

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Sculptures you walked past every day as an undergrad: Priceless.

This year's Iowa State University state fair exhibit features 10 of the more than 475 major public works of art in the university's "Art on Campus" collection. The Iowa State Fair runs Aug. 12-22. The university's exhibit is at the northeast end of the Varied Industries Building.

Sculpture Forward on a truck going down the interstate

"Forward," a popular sculpture that usually graces the lawn near the ISU library, heads for the state fair. Photo by Bob Elbert.

Eight of the works of art are sculptures by Christian Petersen, Iowa State's sculptor-in-residence from 1934 to 1955. Among those that will be on display are:

  • "The Gentle Doctor" (1937)
  • "Cornhusker" (1941)
  • "4-H Calf" (1941)
  • "Maidens" (models for the "Fountain of Four Seasons") (1940)
  • "George Washington Carver" (1942)

Also on display is a portrait sculpture of Christian Petersen by Sarah Grant-Hutchison and Sticks Inc., and William King's "Forward," an 11 x 20-foot aluminum sculpture of moving figures.

"It has come to represent the students of Iowa State as they pass in a steady direction through a campus life of academics and activities," said University Museums director Lynette Pohlman.

Other Iowa State exhibits include:

University Extension, northeast corner of the grandstand.

  • Display on carbohydrates, information on carbohydrate consumption and the research behind the role carbohydrates play in people's diets.
  • Display of new products derived from Iowa corn and soybeans, technologies for converting crops and plant materials into chemicals, fuels, fibers and energy.

4-H, 4-H Exhibit Building

  • 4-H hall of famers to be announced Aug. 22.
  • 4-H alumni receptions, 10-11:30 a.m. Aug. 15, 1:30-3 p.m. Aug. 18, and 6-8 p.m. Aug. 21.
  • About 4,000 exhibits ranging from a saxophone lamp to a restored go-cart.
  • About 1,500 4-H'ers will participate in communication events, including the non-judged "Share the Fair" performances.
  • Nearly 8,100 livestock and horticulture entries by 4-H'ers (various locations).

Who's where

  • Iowa State exhibit, northeast end of Varied Industries Building
  • Iowa State Extension, northeast corner of the grandstand
  • 4-H, various locations including 4-H Exhibit Building