UW-Stevens Point student's artwork chosen for sculpture park
Riley Fichter, of Baraboo, submitted a striking 10-foot sculpture titled “Weight/Agony.” It will debut Saturday, June 11, at the Stevens Point Sculpture Park’s Summer Celebration, set for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
A junior, Fichter’s artwork is made of 10-gauge steel and strips of 300-400 copper wires welded together for a strong, consistent organic form. “Wait/Agony” reflects his understanding of pain’s pervasiveness, and how it affects both mind and body. “Pain is what we learn from the most,” he said.
Fichter, 21, is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree, majoring in 3D art and
philosophy. His
philosophy major has helped him develop critical thinking skills important to planning and creating his artworks.
JinMan Jo, assistant professor of
art and design, encouraged him to submit an application to the Sculpture Park in spring. “I was ecstatic” to learn he was chosen, Fichter said. “That’s a huge step forward for my career.”
Learn more about
3D art at UW-Stevens Point in a video featuring Riley Fichter, Assistant Professor JinMan Jo and others involved in the major.
Fichter said he was grateful to have this opportunity as a student. Jo and
Professor of Graphic Arts Stuart Morris provide motivation and artistic advice, he said. “Without them, it would not be as good,” he said.
As Fichter’s adviser and instructor, Jo is happy Fichter has this opportunity. “He put a lot of his energy and time into it, and I believe that it was a good learning experience for him to develop as a student and young artist,” Jo said.
Seeing the sculpture in a public setting will likely be a good example and motivator to other art students, Jo said. “It is also a valuable contribution to the community to share his art.”
Staff at UW-Stevens Point and community members also helped make the installation a reality, including Eva Hathaway from
Central Stores on campus. A local rock company donated the limestone slab that is the base. The city provided use of a bulldozer.
On Saturday, Fichter will be among artists at the 20-acre Stevens Point Sculpture Park, which features artwork from local, regional and national artists. Five pieces are added each year and remain for three years, so the park is always growing and changing.
Nestled in a wooded area at 900 North Second Street, the Sculpture Park connects to the Green Circle Trail’s Brickyard segment. Parking is available along North Second Street or in the Zenoff Park lot.
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