Chi Omega Fountain, (sculpture).

Chi Omega Fountain, (sculpture).

Bass, Jim, 1933- , sculptor.

Erkins Studios, founder.

Chi Omega Fountain, (sculpture).

Chi Omega Memorial Fountain, (sculpture).

Dedicated April 23, 1955.

Digital Reference:

Fountain: lead; Basin: Indiana white limestone; Larger basin: concrete.

Each panel: approx. 2 ft. 6 in. x 1 ft. 10 in. x Diam. 4.7 in.; Lead tank: approx. H. 4 1/2 ft.; Basin: approx. H. 2 1/2 ft. (1 ton).

A tiered fountain consisting of a four rams' heads at the top, a stone basin, and an octagonal lead base faced with eight bas-relief plaques, set within two larger concrete basins. The relief plaques depict the Eleusinian myth from Greek mythology. The four main panels include: Hades with his chariot and plunging horse; Persephone with crown and flowers, seen with Hermes, in traditional winged hat and sandals and caduceus with entwined snakes; Demeter with flaming torch and sheaf of wheat; and Persephone, with her scepter as Queen of the Dead. The alternating panels are decorated with a sheaf of wheat (symbol of Demeter); a pomegranate (symbol of Persephone); a cluster of carnations (symbol Chi Omega); and a figure of an owl.

Animal -- Sheep

Mythology -- Classical -- Persephone

Mythology -- Classical -- Hermes

Mythology -- Classical -- Hades

Mythology -- Classical -- Demeter

Animal -- Bird -- Owl

Object -- Flower -- Carnation

Object -- Foliage -- Wheat

Object -- Fruit -- Pomegranate

Outdoor Sculpture -- Kansas -- Lawrence

Administered by University of Kansas, Office of Capital Programs, 351 Strong Hall, Lawrence, Kansas 66045

Located West entry to Jayhawk Boulevard in traffic circle, Lawrence, Kansas

The fountain cost $11,800. Alumni of Chi Omega contributed $5,000, with the remainder given by the K.U. Endowment Association from the Elizabeth M. Watkins Fund. The fountain is a memorial to the deceased members of the sorority and the project was undertaken as part of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Chi Omega chapter at the University of Kansas. The artist was a fine arts senior at the University of Kansas at the time of the fountain's fabrication. Erkins Studios in New York fabricated the fountain. The fountain was copied from a structure in front of an 18th century manor house in Northumberland, England.

IAS files contain related articles from the University Daily Kansan, Jan. 10, 1955, pg. 6, and Oct. 13, 1952; and the Kansas Alumni Magazine (May 1955): pg. 10. IAS files also contain related materials from the Chi Omega Memorial Scrapbook and the University of Kansas Archives.

Save Outdoor Sculpture, Kansas survey, 1994.

Kansas Alumni Magazine (May 1955).

The information provided about this artwork was compiled as part of the Smithsonian American Art Museum's Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture database, designed to provide descriptive and location information on artworks by American artists in public and private collections worldwide.

Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012

Control Number:

Horizon Information Portal 3.25_9382

Powered by SirsiDynix

About | © 2020 Smithsonian | Terms of Use | Privacy | Contact

SIRIS - Smithsonian Institution Research Information System