“Squirrels on Locust” show celebrates diversity at Penn
“Squirrels on Locust” is the first large-scale, student-initiated public art installation on campus. Devised by the Penn Art Club, “Squirrels on Locust” aims to bring the whole campus together to celebrate the rich diversity of Penn. The exhibit features 30 larger-than-life squirrel statues placed along Locust Walk, each sponsored and painted by a different student organization or University office, ranging from the Wharton Asian Exchange to the Penn Irish Club. The statues’ designs are a way for these groups to express their unique identities and cultures, through logos and representative symbols such as musical notes, theater masks, the Penn shield and the American flag.
Led by Penn undergraduates John Agbaje, project director, and the sculptor Sean Williams, Penn Art Club members built the original fiberglass statuettes. Agbaje selected the squirrel as the theme of the exhibit because the critters are the “unofficial mascots” for college campuses everywhere, representing the curiosity and activity of students.
This unique installation remains on Locust Walk until Thursday, April 23. To see all 30 statues in one place and view a slideshow of the artistic process, attend the Squirrel Gala on Wednesday, April 29 from 4:30 to 6:30p.m. at The Rotunda, located at 4014 Walnut St. There will be refreshments, live music and remarks by Agbaje and Williams.
For a closer look at the project, click here.
Originally published on April 22, 2009
