By Adam Studzinski

BLOOMINGTON – Illinois Wesleyan University dedicated a new sculpture Tuesday morning on campus.

President Dick Wilson said the sculpture was officially a donation from the Joslin family and dedicated in memory of Roger Joslin, a former IWU trustee and State Farm executive.

“As president of a liberal arts institution, I’ve been motivated to do things that celebrate the arts,” said Wilson. “One of the ways that I think that can be done, in a visual way, is through what’s called monumental art. It’s displayed in public places.”

Wilson believed people have an “inherent appreciation for the arts”

“It satisfies, I think, a fundamental value that we all have,” Wilson said.

The piece was created by sculptor Boaz Vaadia, who is known for working with bluestone slate, which is what “Family with Dog” is primarily made of. Vaadia encouraged people to look at the back side of the piece when they observe it on campus.

“And see something that I love about the piece that is very unique,” said Vaadia. “There is a hug of the woman hugging the man and that section, where that arm of the woman (is) hugging her husband; the layers are actually one layer that connect the couple together.”

Vaadia believed when his art is most alive when it’s placed in a campus environment.

“That’s where I feel, as an artist, the most reward,” said Vaadia. “(It) partly is because the fact that when you have that piece, students, faculty, and visitors of the campus are reacting and inter reacting with my work.”

“Family with Dog” can be found facing the Memorial Center and Joslin Atrium.

Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].