TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Community members hope a sculpture commissioned by the Garfield High School Committee is just the beginning of a new “art hub” in Terre Haute.
Local Artist Bill Wolfe created a large eagle sculpture for the Garfield High School “Purple Eagle Plaza.” The sculpture was announced at the Swope Art Museum today.
Eventually, the eagle will perch on the site of the former school at 12th and Maple Avenue. Wolfe said he wanted to create something that the Garfield High School Alumni would be proud of.
“What they want to do is let people know that they existed and that they were there, that their school was there, and their spirit is there,” Bill Wolfe said. “It’s still there.”
“We at the Swope are so proud of Bill Wolfe, who is a prominent local sculptor who has done such great work,” said Swope Art Museum Executive Director Fred Nation. “The eagle sculpture that he has done is going to be a landmark here in Terre Haute. It’s going to be a tourist attraction. it’s going to help revitalize the 12 Points area.”
Organizers hope that the sculpture celebrates the school spirit of Garfield High and that it will also help bring the arts to 12 Points.
“I think what we’re trying to do is make 12 Points the artistic hub of the area, where creative people can gather,” said Wolfe.
Wolfe said the eagle will be placed once the plaza is complete.