Posted on October 15, 2018 at 4:05 PM by Betsy Grabinski
The Curator's Associates got a behind-the-scenes, sneak peek last week at the newest Art on Campus installation Lily Pavilion. This new sculpture installation is located in the south greenspace, adjacent to Sukup End Zone. The plaza, which replaces a former parking lot, visually links Jack Trice Stadium to Reiman Gardens and will provide a gathering space for receptions, concerts, and other special events.
Artists David Dahlquist and Matt Niebur were also on hand to share their creative process and the construction details. Lily Pavilion was inspired by looking closely at nature and celebrates the history and connection between horticulture, ecology, biology and the first land grant college in the country, Iowa State University. With a recognized long history of plant sciences and research at Iowa State University and proximity to Reiman Gardens, the idea for the installation developed from looking closely at vascular forms and structured cellular patterns found in the "Victoria Lily" a unique aquatic plant specimen sometimes cultivated in Lake Helen at Reiman Gardens.
"It's about the opportunity of public art and this installation specifically, that celebrates a sense of wonder about the things you might see when you look closely at nature."
- Matt Niebur, co-artist of Lily Pavilion
"We were honored to contribute to the Art on Campus collection at Iowa State University. ISU is an important part of both of our backgrounds, with me having taught years ago and Matt being an alumni."
- David Dahquist, co-artist of Lily Pavilion
Lily Pavilion and the surrounding space is still under construction, but is expected to be open to the public next spring.
