By Katie Kane

Many students have noticed the new sparkling, sun-like sculpture on campus between White Hall and Hyland Hall.  However, this piece is not all that new.

The sculpture was originally brought to campus in 1970, designed and sculpted by William Conrad Severson, a world-renowned sculptor and artist.  William Severson was the son of Edwin Severson and “Marni” Elizabeth Styles Severson. 

Edwin Severson named the sculpture after his wife, and after her death, he donated it to the campus and had it placed in front of Upham Hall where the two first met.  Both Seversons were UW-Whitewater alumni.

At first, the sculpture also had a water fountain feature, which pumped about four to six gallons of water per minute through the piece and was designed to hold flowers around the base.

The ID plaque on the sculpture reads, “An expression of Elizabeth Styles Severson’s faith in youth’s vision for a more perfect world.”

Also, William Severson said he felt the fountain was “an affirmation of the need for beauty in life as each student flowers in adulthood.”

In 2003, the fountain was removed to facilitate the remodel of Upham Hall and construction of Hyland Hall and put into storage.

This year, it was moved to its new location on Starin Road between White Hall and Hyland Hall. However, the water feature has been omitted due to high costs.

“We thought everyone would enjoy [the sculpture], so we returned it to a very public place on campus,” said Greg Swanson, facilities planning and management.  “If people really take a moment to look at it, it truly is a fascinating piece.”

Swanson feels the piece is important to the campus and it’s history, so there was no reason to not bring it back for all to enjoy.

“I think it looks like a giant dandelion,” junior Brittney Kortman said. “I love it. When the sun shines, it’s absolutely beautiful.  It totally brings some sparkle to our campus.”

When first seeing the sculpture this year, Kortman quickly snapped a picture and sent it to her friends.

“I wanted to show it to my friends. It was just so pretty.  It looked gorgeous in the sun that day.” Kortman said.

The sculpture stands 16 feet tall. Its base and stems are made of stainless steel, and the flowers are created with a blue-ish ceramic glass that definitely makes it pop.

“I talk about this sculpture all the time,” senior Nicole Karl said. “I just think it’s so pretty.  You can never have enough art on a campus.  This is super unique. It can be interpreted in so many ways.”

When asked about her interpretation of the sculpture, Karl responded with, “To me, it’s like a burst. Maybe like a burst of life or love. It’s happy. Just really, really happy.”

Karl has heard many students refer to the piece as a snowflake, sunshine, flower and even an abstract globe.

Even with an interpretation from the artist and his mother directly, the piece can be seen in so many different ways from an array of different people here on campus.

“Its like a ball of energy, maybe a ball of knowledge and ideas,” freshman Patrick Anderson said. “Its really cool. It’s my first year here, so I don’t know what campus was like without it, but it caught my eye. It’s the coolest art piece I’ve seen so far.  I’m an artsy guy, and, in my opinion, it should have been relocated right away.”

The sculpture seems as if it is here to stay.  It is definitely a sparkling staple to our already wonderful campus it is.