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Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
8/31/98
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - A sculpture by Northwestern State University Professor of Art Rivers Murphy, "Dignitas," will be unveiled Friday, Sept. 4 at 9 a.m. at the Bossier City Municipal Complex. The unveiling is open to the public.
Murphy's work was chosen from among 15 proposals submitted by artists for consideration. The sculpture by Murphy is the first of five to be displayed in various spots in Bossier City as part of a five-year program developed by the Bossier Art Council and the Bossier City Council to add to the beauty of the city.
After Murphy submitted a model of his sculpture, he was named as one of three finalists. He made a more detailed proposal, and his work was the unanimous selection of a committee and the City Council.
He began creating "Dignitas," which is Latin for dignity in May. Murphy worked with students James Borders and Gabe Richmond for 85 consecutive days to finish the work by the deadline. The final work is made of welded steel and weighs roughly 3,000 pounds and is 12 feet high, 21 feet long and seven feet wide.
"It was a great deal of work getting it completed in time," said Murphy. "The students working on the project received a good deal of valuable experience. I look forward to the unveiling."