“Sculpture’s New Location Solves Controversy”
The Orion, 1991
By Lauren Dodge

The controversy over where to put giant monoliths is over. They are now “permanently” stationed in front of Ayers Hall and, according to Deborah Masters, the instructor whose advanced sculpting class created the monoliths, they should remain there for at least 10 years.
It all began when Masters assigned the project to her advanced and graduate sculpture students. The monoliths were originally supposed to be placed at the university farm, but the location was rejected because of the permanent nature of the sculptures.
The next location decided upon really sparked the controversy.
Masters and several university planning committees found a location behind the Continuing Education building which they agreed would compliment the 20 concrete sculptures. The staff at Continuing Education didn’t agree.
Some of the employees protested the proposed location of the project because they feared the monoliths would resemble “high-rise sidewalks.” They were worried the sculptures would take away green space from the campus.
Several Continuing Education employees started circulating a petition, and with enough signatures from students and faculty of the university, were able to keep the sculptures from their proposed location.
Masters was then forced to search for a new site. With the help of university planning operations and President Robin Wilson, she got permission to use the land in front of Ayers Hall.
“The president said if we could find another place to put them it would be great, because it was causing endless problems,” Masters said. “We decided on this location in front of the art building which, as far as I’m concerned is perfect.”
The staff at Continuing Education agreed.
“Everyone here is pleased with location of the sculptures,” one employee said. “It’s a fitting place because it’s in front of the art building.”
The sculptors are also satisfied with the site of the project. Art major Kim Couchot, who created one of the monoliths, likes the “concrete jungle” effect the sculptures have since they are so close together.
“I’m disappointed in the whole controversy that erupted,” she said, “but I’m not disappointed in the location.”
The artists call the monolith project “Green Space.” Since the site of the sculptures used to be a concrete pad, the grass and flowers which will be planted this month will add to the green of the campus.
“Green Space” will be formally presented to the community next month. Masters hopes this will give people on and off campus a chance to appreciate the monoliths and the work which went into them.
Even without the presentation, many people outside of campus are well aware of the project.
“People migrate over from outside the university after concerts in Laxson Auditorium,” Masters said. “Everyone’s delighted with them.”
Couchot has also noticed many students and faculty “hanging out” around the sculptures and is glad people are able to enjoy them.
Despite everything Masters went through to get the monoliths settled, she said she still considers the project “very successful.”