Joe Vandal, the University of Idaho’s mascot, is to be the subject of a new campus sculpture. Dedicated to the work and commitment of ASUI, it will be sculpted live and on campus Feb. 4-7 in the ISUB.
The sculpture, which will take the form of Joe Vandal and one day be stood near the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, was voted upon by over 1,500 students and staff in a school-wide survey. Its creation is dedicated to ASUI’s “enduring legacy of support for the Dome and many other vital campus resources,” as stated on the ASUI webpage.
As a unique opportunity, the creation of this art piece will be happening live at the ISUB beginning Feb. 4. The campus community will have the chance to be personally involved in the creation process while sculptor Gareth Curtiss makes it come to life.
Curtiss, a renowned sculptor with decades of experience, was chosen to work on this project due to his eagerness to invest in an art piece that will be representative of ASUI’s work.
As he works throughout the week, Curtiss will be getting to know the Vandal community on a deeper level through a variety of engagement opportunities. These moments of collaboration will only help to further the development and authenticity of the Joe Vandal sculpture.
The week will begin on Feb. 3 at 5 p.m. with a community open house in the ICCU Idaho Arena Alumni Club Room. The open house will give students and staff an opportunity to hear from the artist directly while asking questions and adding input. On Feb. 6 at 6 p.m., he will give a lecture titled “The Art of Creating Bronze Sculpture.” Lastly, from Feb. 4-7, he will be actively sculpting from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the ISUB Rotunda.
“I am delighted to have been selected to create the statue of Joe Vandal and am looking forward to working with the Vandal community on this great project. Together, we will be making a character already larger than life—much, much larger,” Curtiss said to ASUI.
Paige Wilton can be reached at arg-news@uidaho.edu.