Ancestral Columns, a sculpture for the Missouri State University campus created by Department of Art and Design emeritus professor Jerry Hatch, is being relocated from Temple Hall to make space for the expansion of Roy Blunt Hall, the home of the College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS).

Built in 1990-91, Ancestral Columns is sixteen feet tall and consists of four pillars made of concrete that were poured on site.

Hatch designed the sculpture using mathematical formulas involving sequencing and spiraling to create a sense of equilibrium and harmony, imitating patterns found in sunflowers, fossils and other natural items.

He was especially interested in the technical skills needed to create the original model: carving Styrofoam™ using a “hot-wire,” enlarging the molds from smaller scale versions and learning to use concrete with other materials, such as copper and bronze.

Hatch also worked with an engineer to ensure the sculpture could withstand 80 mph winds.

The sculpture was dyed to match Temple Hall’s exterior walls.

Complex removal process

The relocation process is being overseen by architectural Project Manager Laura Derrick, who wanted to preserve the sculpture in the safest way possible.

“Public art is very important to MSU, both inside and outside the buildings,” Derrick said. “It is especially significant when an instructor or student produces the art.”

Each column was cut at its base. The columns were then removed by crane and placed carefully on pallets for moving.

To reinstall the sculpture, holes will be drilled into each column and steel pegs inserted to attach the sculpture.

Plans are to reinstall the sculpture at another location on campus in summer 2024, according to Derrick.

Contact the Department of Art and Design at 417-837-2330 for more information about the department’s sculpture program at Missouri State University.

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News submitted by Mariah Hunter, edited by Reynolds College Communications Team.

Hunter is a graduate assistant for the Department of Art and Design. She is working towards her master’s degree in writing at Missouri State University.