Christian Petersen Art Museum
Neva M. Petersen Gallery
Morrill Hall, Ground Floor Hallway
January 12 - December 18, 2026
View images and get the sharing pack for this exhibition.
University Museums presents "Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection," showcasing the innovative technology and conservation science used to preserve Danish-American artist Christian Petersen's iconic terra cotta sculptures across Iowa State University's campus. The exhibition features materials samples and behind-the-scenes insights from the ongoing conservation of the History of Dairying fountain—a National Register of Historic Places landmark created in 1934 as one of the nation's earliest Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) installations.
Working within Depression-era constraints, Iowa State College President Raymond M. Hughes directed Petersen to work in terra cotta because the college's ceramic engineering department could produce it on campus within the tight PWAP budget and timeline. The material was affordable and expressive—Petersen could create detailed public art for Iowa State's students at a fraction of the cost of bronze or marble, perfectly aligned with the land-grant mission. The hand-modeling technique allowed him to capture intricate details in other treasured sculptures on campus, like the Fountain of the Four Seasons (1941) and Three Athletes (1936).
This exhibition highlights the partnership between University Museums and ISU's Manufacturing & Teaching Labs, where materials engineer Sawyer Krotz conducted comprehensive 3D scans of the History of Dairying fountain to create precise digital models for replication. Visitors will discover how 3D scanning solves a persistent conservation challenge to ensure that replicated elements match Petersen's original dimensions exactly. The exhibition offers an insider's look at preservation science—including samples documenting 90 years of weathering and conservation interventions.
This exhibition is curated by University Museums and sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering and The John and Nancy Hayes Chair in Mechanical Engineering.
Exhibition Program
Find full descriptions of programs on the University Museums Calendar. All programs are free and open to the public. Programs are subject to change. Check the University Museums Calendar and Facebook page for the latest events information.
Tech Meets Tradition: Preserving Campus Art with Materials Engineering
March 10, 2026, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM (US Central)
Location: Christian Petersen Art Museum, 003 Morrill Hall
In conjunction with the exhibition Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection, materials engineer Sawyer Krotz will join curator Sydney Marshall for a dynamic exploration of how technology is shaping the future of the conservation of sculpture. Following a guided tour of the exhibition, watch a live demonstration of object scanning and learn how these tools can support the preservation and restoration of public art. Especially great for anyone interested in materials engineering, museum conservation, or historic preservation—no technical background required.
Visit the Christian Petersen Art Museum
Hours:
Monday–Friday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Closed Saturday & Sunday and University holidays & breaks
Address: 1017 Morrill Hall, 603 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa
Admission: Free; donations always welcome