Permanent Cultural Attractions
In addition to the many arts events scheduled each year, UIndy is the proud home of two permanent art exhibitions: the UIndy Sculpture Walk and the Master Au Ho-nien Museum, as well as permanent cultural displays.
UIndy Sculpture Walk
Universal Continuum by Beverly Precious
A variety of artwork decorates the UIndy campus through the sculpture walk. Sponsored by Talbot Street Art Fair, the free outdoor art exhibition features work by artists from around the country. The sculptures range widely in size, style, and subject, but all are made from durable materials such as copper, steel, aluminum and limestone. While some are permanent fixtures on campus, most are only here for a short time and were chosen for inclusion through the Campus Sculpture Walk Competition, an annual event that solicits artwork from artists across the country.
Works are juried by faculty in the Department of Art & Design and winning pieces are displayed in the exhibition for at least one year. A map and information about the artists and their work are available or through the Department of Art & Design in the Christel DeHaan Fine Arts Center.
Master Au Ho-nien Museum
Located in the lower level of the Schwitzer Student Center, the Master Au Ho-nien Museum features 45 pieces of painting, poetry and calligraphy by this world-renowned artist who combines traditional Chinese painting with Western perspective, chiaroscuro and color schemes, often supplementing his naturalistic images with poetic inscriptions. The collection, donated to the University by the Au Ho-nien Cultural Foundation in Taiwan, is valued at more than $1 million. There is no admission charge to the museum, which is open daily.
The Sankofa Circle of Sages
The Office of Ecumenical & Interfaith Programs hosted five events in celebration of African-American Christian spirituality. These "gatherings of the sages" brought together leaders from Indianapolis-area churches, universities and the wider community to honor persons who embody spiritual wisdom. The seven honored sages spoke on varying aspects of the rich tradition of African-American Christian spirituality: the black freedom struggle, the spiritual disciplines of the black church, worship in holiness, preaching the word, social justice through education, gospel music, storytelling and dance.
A display on the second level of the Schwitzer Student Center was erected in appreciation and honor of the sages. The center of the display features the continents of Africa and North America joined together against a backdrop of the sunset's brilliant colors. Images of the seven sages are paired in a circle engulfing the conjoined continents. The words "we must go back and reclaim our past so that we can move forward; then we can understand how and why we came to be who we are" accompany the display.