Sculpture: From Courtyard to Campus

When it comes to football in Alabama, Birmingham sculptor Brad Morton is definitely an avid Auburn Tigers fan. So naturally he was interested when he was contacted by Sue Jensen, Associate Professor of Fine Arts at Auburn University-Montgomery, about submitting a piece of sculpture to be displayed on the AUM campus as part of their campus "face lift".

Morton submitted several photographs of pieces he had available for consideration. His piece, Contemporary Couple was chosen, which up until that time had graced Morton's urban courtyard. With time, vision, and hard work, this courtyard had been transformed into a peaceful zen garden of water, goldfish, lighting, plants, and art. Or, as Morton's wife, Sheila, calls it "our yard". It is indeed one of the few personal "yards" available in the Loft District. Contemporary Couple greeted guests as they walked in from 1st Avenue South.

Contemporary Couple is comprised of two pieces that stand nine-feet tall. There is no base so it gives the impression of coming of and from the earth. A combination of bronze and cor-ten steel, these pieces were designed, cast and built at Morton's studio in downtown Birmingham.

Contemporary Couple now resides on the quad of Auburn University-Montgomery campus in front of the Education Building, and it is available for public viewing. The exhibit is comprised of sculpture by three artists and supported by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts. They will be on display until July 2012.

To read more about AUM's exhibit and when/where to meet the artists, go to Sculpture exhibit enhances beauty of AUM's evolving campus.