The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine held a public dedication on Sept. 18 of its new sculpture titled, "In Our Hands" by Vito Di Bari.
The artist, Di Bari, gave brief remarks regarding his inspiration for the iconic sculpture. Members of the LSU A Cappella Choir, under the direction of Dr. Alissa Rowe, performed during the event..
"This celebration is for everyone. For decades, the Baton Rouge community has placed their beloved animals in our hands and entrusted us with their care. We offer compassionate care for tens of thousands of furred, feathered, and scaled animals each year," said Oliver Garden, dean of LSU Vet Med.
The sculpture is prominently positioned in front of the Stephenson Pet Clinic on Skip Bertman Drive, between the Mississippi River and Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge. Funded by the Percent for Art Program under Louisiana's Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, this artwork symbolizes the school’s commitment to the wellbeing of animals and people alike.
The two hands depicted in the sculpture represent LSU School of Veterinary Medicine’s dedication to improving and safeguarding the lives of animals and humans through education, research, and compassionate care, according to the sculptor, Vito Di Bari. "Our aim is for this piece to become a landmark that honors and represents the School of Veterinary Medicine, its mission, and its community," he said.
Standing at an impressive 16 feet tall and 18 feet wide, the sculpture is constructed from powder-coated steel. The hollow, reinforced structure is made from metallic outlines welded to additional profiles to provide thickness. To ensure stability, beams extend deep into the concrete base. The artwork weighs approximately 3,800 pounds.
"This sculpture will serve as a navigational landmark that embodies LSU Vet Med's vision to better lives, fostering a sense of belonging for our entire community. It is a beautiful beacon that celebrates our deep-rooted culture of healing," said Garden.
Di Bari is renowned for creating metaphorical, site-specific artworks that offer memorable and unique experiences for both residents and visitors.
The selection committee for this project included representatives from LSU, LSU Vet Med, and art and architecture experts from Baton Rouge.
"From the very beginning, our esteemed committee members served as the bedrock of this project. Their diverse perspectives, meticulous reviews, and unwavering commitment ensured we selected a brilliant beacon that will resonate with our community for generations," said Scott Finch, director of the Percent for Art Program.
The Percent for Art law, enacted in 1999, mandates that whenever over $2 million in state funds are allocated for constructing or renovating a state building, one percent of the budget must be spent on acquiring, conserving, restoring, and installing artwork for display in and around the building.
The Louisiana Percent for Art program not only enhances public environments for Louisiana’s citizens but also highlights the state’s cultural heritage, attracts visitors, and creates economic opportunities and training for artists and related industries.