During construction of the newly built Rodli hall, Melissa Wilson (Executive Director of Admissions) and Sarah Nelson (Professor of Art) discussed that University of Wisconsin – River Falls needed a new tradition. “We wanted something that would attract the attention of our campus visitors and current students alike.” The vision of the sculpture was created around something that could stand the test of time while creating a new space for students and faculty to be proud of their school pride. The sculpture resembles a peregrine falcon. Peter Busby was chosen as the sculpture and describes his work as something that creates a sense of community. Community was a common theme throughout the process of what the committee was hoping to bring to campus for future and current Falcons. The University is hoping that in the future the students will come by at the start of the year by rubbing the falcon’s foot for good luck for years to come.
The welded artwork, standing at 13’-0” tall, was made from mild steel rods weighs 2.0 tons. Hot dip galvanizing was chosen for the coating’s durability and longevity. With having the sculpture hot dipped galvanized, this also allowed it to attract people’s attention to the aesthetics of the sculpture.
Paulus explained, “For his artistic vision, craft, and the specific medium of steel rods, Busby, describes his work as something that creates a sense of community. Community was a common theme throughout the process of what the committee was hoping to bring to campus for future and current Falcons."
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