Western Channel Sculpture

“The U of L allows itself an iconic relationship with its surroundings. One can move out of the University and immediately become part of the landscape.”

Dr. John McEwan (DFA '07), sculptor of the Western Channel

  • Located back in the Atrium, this point is located on the window on the north side of the building.
  • This sculpture was designed by John McEwen in 1981. He was the winner of a competition and dedicated at the opening of the Performing Arts Centre.
  • He was presented with an Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts by the U of L at the Fall 2007 convocation.
  • It is composed of a rolling facade and three life size animal silhouettes. McEwen was inspired by the link between nature and culture in regards to the U of L.
  • This piece was first displayed at the opening of the new Performing Arts Centre which opened in 1981 as Phase II of the University’s development plan.
  • This building featured new classrooms, a Recital Hall and a 450-seat theatre.
  • You can see where the Performing Arts Centre building connected to Academic Residence Building by looking at the entrance to U Hall.
  • At the time of the construction of the Performing Arts Centre, it was decided that any part of the University associated with learning would be named “Hall,” while any part associated with residence would be called “House.”