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Library History

Art Work

(Note: placement of art work in the library is handled through the library's Art Oversight Committee, chaired by the Events Coordinator.).

See also Art in and around Morgan Library.

"The Doors of Paradise 1994: Threshold of Transformation."

This sculpture, located in the library courtyard, was created by Colorado State alumna Karen Lee-Thompson. It "consists of a pair of large doors that figuratively open onto a garden of six smaller metal sculptures. The doors are composed of welded steel frameworks covered with copper with a cupric nitrate patina. A background of intricate, swirling lines resemble Anasazi petroglyphs. The raised figures on both sides of the doors are graceful, interwoven shapes that seem to be ethereal yet solidly reassuring, while the smaller figures behind the doors are thin and sharply pointed. Some of the smaller sculptures are delicately fluted while others are urn-shaped, but all point toward the sky as though contemplating flight." (Quoted from Comment, March 27, 1997.) Lee-Thompson graduated from Colorado State in 1994 with a master's degree in metalsmithing. This sculpture was her thesis project.
Trees: the trees in the courtyard are locust.

"Moth."

This glass sculpture, located on the third floor above the main entrance, was created by Ed Carpenter, who studied architectural glass design in Europe with a grant from the Graham Foundation for Advanced Study in the Fine Arts. Since 1972 he has more than 40 large-scale collaborative art commissions to his credit. His works appear in Oregon, Alaska, Florida, Wisconsin, Colorado, Washington, Utah, Minnesota, Arizona, and California. He lives in Oregon.

"Fallen Blocks, Lake Powell."

Merrill Mahaffey painted this landscape, which is located in the Journal Room on the second floor. Mahaffey received his BA from Sacramento State University and his MFA from Arizona State University. He resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico. His works are in numerous museums throughout the country, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, and the Museum of American Art at the Smithsonian in Washington DC. His work conveys the monumental scale of geological formations of the American Southwest and his preference for grand scenery where land and water meet abruptly.

Framed Posters for "Arts in the Library" Series

Two posters are produced for each show in this series. One poster is given to the artist, or to the host who helped to organize the show. The second poster is kept by the library and is framed and mounted on the wall on the second floor north of Special Collections. The posters are hung in the order of showing. Information on the individual shows is retained by the Library Art Coordinator.

Portrait of William E. Morgan

This portrait was unveiled when the original William E. Morgan Library was dedicated in 1965.

Bronze busts

The bronze busts of William E. Morgan and Pat Griffin were both executed by Douglas Murray. The Morgan bust is at the library entrance, while the Griffin bust can be found on the first floor near the entryway to the Griffin Wing.

"Pillars Through Time"

this sculpture was placed on the plaza in front of the library entrance in the summer of 2002.  This sculpture is part of the university's Third Biennial Sculpturescape Exhibition; artists are invited to place art works on campus for a period of two years.  After two years, a committee recommends to the University Physical Development Committee purchase of one of the four sculptures placed around campus.  "Pillars through Time" expresses the artist's concept of diversity, including examination of different time periods and cultures.  The pillars are left rough in order to take on the appearance of artifacts depicting icons and symbolism from a variety of peoples.  Exposure to these different images and witnessing their harmony in artistic media is meant to promote tolerance and understanding beyond a limited, localized existence.  The artists is Sue Quinlan of Boulder, Colorado.