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More Smithsonian Searches     Who else has...     Kennedy, John,     Abstract     Figure group     Performing Arts -- Dance     Allegory -- Arts & Sciences     Architecture -- Detail     Homage -- Matisse, Henri     Literature -- Emerson     Outdoor Sculpture -- Missouri -- Sedalia     Sculpture

Spirit of Learning, (sculpture). Artist:  Kennedy, John, sculptor. Title:  Spirit of Learning, (sculpture). Dates:  Commissioned 1992. Dedicated March 11, 1995. Digital Reference:  Medium:  Sculpture: bronze; Base: concrete and steel. Dimensions:  Overall: approx. 12 ft. x 18 ft. x 3 ft. 6 in. Inscription:  (Artist's monogram) (On steel support post:) SPIRIT OF LEARNING signed Description:  Six elongated, abstract figures in dance postures form a ring on and above a staircase base. The far proper right figure stands on its proper right hand on the bottom step of the staircase, holding the proper left foot of the second figure that is ascending the steps on the toes of its proper right foot. The third figure is at the top of the staircase, the toes of each foot touching one of the top two steps. The second and third figures are supporting three elevated figures that complete the circle, each touching an extremity of the other figures, as they float in the air. The far proper left floating figure is leaning on the top of a steel support post with its proper right hand. Subject:  Abstract Figure group Performing Arts -- Dance Allegory -- Arts & Sciences -- Education Architecture -- Detail -- Stairs Homage -- Matisse, Henri Literature -- Emerson -- Man & God Object Type:  Outdoor Sculpture -- Missouri -- Sedalia Sculpture Owner:  State Fair Community College, Stauffacher Fine Arts Center, 3201 West 16th Street, Courtyard, Sedalia, Missouri 65301 Remarks:  The artist states "The inspiration for this sculpture came to me from a combination of ideas. A quote from Emerson's essay's 'Man & God,' 'We wake and find ourselves on a stairs,' the Henri Matisse painting 'The Dancers' and Dr. Gordon Stauffacher's keen interest in education. I endeavored to portray the passion, joy and energy involved in the pursuit of higher education. As the figures ascend the staircase, one sees the visual metaphor of the human spirit taking flight into higher creativity and consciousness and with only the sky to reach for." IAS files contain related excerpts from "John Kennedy, Sculpture," Palm Springs, CA: John Kennedy Studio. References:  Save Outdoor Sculpture, Missouri survey, 1995. Illustration:  Image on file. "John Kennedy, Sculpture," Palm Springs, CA: John Kennedy Studio. Note:  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. Repository:  Inventories of American Painting and Sculpture, Smithsonian American Art Museum, P.O. Box 37012, MRC 970, Washington, D.C. 20013-7012 Control Number:  IAS MO000314   Copy/Holding information Smithsonian AmericanArt Museum Control Number   Inventory of American Sculpture MO000314 Add Copy to MyList Format: HTMLPlain textDelimited Subject:   Email to:

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