Chi Omega donates art to Vandy Student Center
 

Chi Omega donates art to the new Student Life Center


by Meredith Casey
April 06, 2005

The Chi Omega sorority has donated a piece of artwork by Los Angeles-based sculptor Bruce Gray to Vanderbilt's new Student Life Center, which had its grand opening this past week. The mobile was donated by Vanderbilt's Chi Omega chapter in honor of the sorority's 50th anniversary on campus.

The Sigma Epsilon chapter of Chi Omega was founded at Vanderbilt in 1954. Funds to purchase the artwork were raised by current and past members of the chapter.

"We wanted to utilize the opening of the new Student Life Center as a chance to give back to the university and express gratitude for our place on campus and within the Vanderbilt Greek community," said Kate Morgan, Chi Omega's delegate to the Panhellenic Council and SGA President for the upcoming '05-'06 school year. "We are proud to be a part of a new building that will be widely utilized by individual students and student organizations to enhance their academic and social experiences at Vanderbilt."

The name of the sculpture is "Mobile Alabama" and is described by the artist as a "hanging kinetic art mobile" constructed in painted steel and "influenced by the great sculptor Alexander Calder." Gray specializes in contemporary and abstract modern metal and wood sculptures, and his work is included in more than 1,100 private and corporate art collections worldwide, as well as being featured in many movies, television shows, music videos and commercials.

The mobile hangs in the Student Life Center's pre-function area, to the left of the desk in the main lobby, near the Student Lounge. The second-floor Career Center's interview lobby perhaps offers the best view of the mobile.

"We believe the sculpture compliments the modern feeling of the building, and it provides a great visual from all angles," said Morgan.

There was a viewing reception for members of Chi Omega and the general public on Saturday, April 2nd in the lobby of the student life center where the sculpture hangs.

Cool!