Three Allegories of Learning; Making Sense, 2007

Steve Gardner
(American, born 1968)

Location: Yakima Valley College, Yakima

ABOUT THE ARTWORK

Artist Steve Gardner's terracotta relief sculptures are based on the three allegories of learning: "El Abrecaminos," "The Torch," and "The Garden." "El Abrecaminos" (center) translates to "one who opens the way, one who makes way where there is no way." This idea relates to the many Mexican immigrants who have come to the Yakima Valley to open a way for themselves and their children – but also to all the college students who are paving the way to their future. "The Torch" (left) and "The Garden" (right) are based on myths and metaphors about the importance of knowledge, growth, risk, patience, and self-initiative. All three sculptures feature the Yakima landscape of central Washington. The artwork includes twenty-four cast glass panels on the nearby exterior windows. They feature formulas, quotes, and images that the artist developed with the Yakima Valley College instructors, related to the various disciplines taught at the college. The glass panels also include patterns from nature in the Yakima Valley such as Ponderosa Pine bark and basalt rock textures.

This artwork was acquired for the State Art Collection in partnership with Yakima Valley Community College.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Seattle-based ceramic artist Steve Gardner creates relief and free standing sculptures, as well as other three-dimensional artworks in a variety of materials. He received his Bachelor of Arts in art and biology from St. Olaf College in Minnesota and his Master of Fine Arts degree in ceramics from Central Washington University in Ellensburg.

ARTWORK DETAILS

Material Category

Sculpture - glass

Sculpture - stone / ceramics / terracotta

Medium

Terracotta, cast glass, and stainless steel

Dimensions

45 in x 45 in x 3 in (central panel)

ID Number

WSAC2004.050.000

Acquisition Method

Site responsive commission

Artist Location

Washington, United States

LOCATION INFORMATION

Agency

Yakima Valley College

Artwork Location

Yakima Valley College
Grand staircase & railings-Glenn Anthon Building

WA County

Yakima

Setting

Interior

Site Type

College

Address

S.16th Ave & Nob Hill Blvd.
Yakima, WA 98902

Geo. Coordinates

46.587382 | -120.529090