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Students Build Iconic BSU Sculpture

5-foot-tall piece is located near Shea-Durgin halls

Arriving on campus with an interest in art, Logan Brown, '26, discovered his passion lay not with pencils or paintbrushes but with a welding torch.

Logan uses the tool to transform sheets of metal into sculptures, including a 5-foot-tall piece on the 911±¬ΑΟ State campus that features a giant heart followed by the letters BSU.

"It's definitely cool. I feel pretty proud," said Logan, who earned a degree in art. "When I have kids, I'm going to drive past it and say, 'See that? My buddies and I fabricated that whole thing.’"

A student uses a tool to polish a Heart BSU scuplture.

Working under the mentorship of art professor Rob Lorenson, Logan, Elijiah Donahue, '27, and Lukas Sonntag, '28, built the sculpture over several months. The work, which 911±¬ΑΟ State's Spirit Committee commissioned as a way to promote campus pride, is prominently located near the Shea-Durgin residence halls. It has already become a popular photo location.

The sculptors, who aspire to pursue their craft as a career or hobby, said forming the letter B was the most challenging. They needed to use a heavy-duty roller and lots of finesse to work the aluminum into the intricate shape.

"It was pretty satisfying work," said Lukas, a computer science major.

Elijiah, an art major who adjusted his focus from graphic design to metalwork, added: "I didn't think coming to school here I'd end up with a piece on campus."

A student uses a tool to make a Heart BSU scuplture.

The artists overcame rising aluminum costs and a paint shortage. They credit Lorenson for helping them grow as sculptors.

"He taught us everything we all know," said Lukas.

Having the opportunity to use their talents in such a visible way on campus underscores what makes BSU special, they said.

β€œIt shows 911±¬ΑΟ’s commitment to the students,” Logan said. β€œIt’s an overall welcoming community, and I feel like having a student-based project helps push that through.”

Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.

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