Combining Art and Science: Dow AgroSciences Selects Herron School of Art and Design Students’ Works for Headquarters
INDIANAPOLIS - December 14, 2011
Dow AgroSciences specializes in science but will combine art with science in a decision to add a sculpture to its global headquarters in Indianapolis as part of a multi-year expansion project. Through a partnership with the Frank and Katrina Basile Center for Art, Design and Public Life at Herron School of Art and Design, Dow AgroSciences has commissioned a work by Dana Fast, a senior majoring in sculpture. The sculpture called Emergence will be located at the entrance of the new 175,000 square foot Research and Development building that is due to be completed in the summer of 2012.
Fast, a native of Plainfield, Ind., was among three students who presented sculptural design concepts last spring to Dow AgroSciences. Fast said her design “represents a cycle of regeneration much like that of plant life. It emerges out of the remnants of its past much like seeds sprout in the rich soil of the flora before it. Both symbolically embody the idea of new growth and a new day.”
Fast is fabricating the 15’ x 9’ work out of steel that will be enamel coated. “I envision Emergence as helping to create a space where employees can relax, regroup and feel inspired,” Fast said.
“Dow AgroSciences feels that this is a great opportunity for college students to gain ‘real world’ experience in presenting design concepts to potential clients, with the chance for the student to be able to complete their art and have it showcased,” said Tom Lingafelter, Expansion Project Program Manager, Dow AgroSciences.
Because of the success with the sculpture, Dow AgroSciences is now partnering with six other Herron students on projects including interior and exterior benches (Dave Freeman, Matthew Osborn, and Christopher Stuart) and other art (Katelin Kinney, Marna Shopoff, and Catherine Vorholzer) to complete the walls in the new building.
This partnership represents the largest cross-discipline installation that Herron will have ever completed.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Dow AgroSciences to enhance its already beautiful grounds and to provide experiences to our students that will prepare them to succeed post graduation,” said Basile Center Director Kathy Pataluch. “Herron is as passionate about design thinking as it is about teaching our budding artists how to bring their visions to life. To have achieved a major commission prior to graduation is a real feather in any student’s cap. We could not provide that experience without community partners such as Dow AgroSciences.”
About The Frank and Katrina Basile Center for Art, Design and Public Life
The Frank and Katrina Basile Center for Art, Design and Public Life links Herron’s talented
students to Indianapolis and surrounding communities. It connects artists in all media
with community partners who are interested in providing real-world and professional
practice experiences through public art commissions, art and design competitions and
civic engagement opportunities. To learn how your business or not-for-profit organization
can work with emerging artists, contact Director Kathy Pataluch at 317-278-9422
or kpataluc@iupui.edu.
About Dow AgroSciences
Dow AgroSciences, based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, is a top-tier agricultural company providing innovative agrochemical and biotechnology solutions globally. The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Dow Chemical Company, has sales of $4.9 billion. Learn more at www.dowagro.com. Follow Dow AgroSciences on Facebook and YouTube or subscribe to our News Release RSS Feed.
For Editorial Information:
Robyn Heine
Dow AgroSciences
317-337-4807
rheine@dow.com
Glennda McGann
Herron School of Art and Design
317-278-9477
gmmcgann@iupui.edu
