The exhibition opens on Saturday, September 11 and concludes on Sunday, September 26.
The Evansville Museum will present an installation of the work of sculptor William Leth entitled “Now Hallowed Ground” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11. The exhibition opens on Saturday, September 11 and concludes on Sunday, September 26. The artist will be at the Museum on September 11 at Noon to discuss the work with guests.
Leth began the sculpture just two days after the devastating September morning in 2001 that forever changed the fabric of our nation. As a new teacher at Marywood University in Pennsylvania, Leth asked 50 of his students to assist in the creation of the piece. Typical to much of Bill Leth’s work, the twin tower sculpture appears simple at first glance. Upon further inspection of the four panels that make up each tower, viewers can see light and dark words representing the students’ initial reaction to the events of 9/11. Crushed marble and polished river stone surround the base of the towers, representing the fall of the physical structure and the victims. At the initial installation, the public was invited to arrange small pieces of polished glass “tears” in a way to express their feelings on the tragedy. In a similar way during this 20th-anniversary installation, Museum visitors will be allowed to arrange small pieces of polished glass.
Bill Leth has taught metalsmithing, sculpture, and computer design for over 40 years. He sees his sculpture and installations as “a spiritual act,” approaching the process of creation as an opportunity to join with others, be it his students or the viewing audience. Along with student interns, he created and installed the fence and sculptural gates surrounding the backyard of the Evansville Museum. The massive stainless steel and bronze gates are embellished with 11 bronze medallions, representing the planets and Sun, as well as Polaris, the star of guidance. Bill Leth currently resides in Evansville and continues to exhibit his work in galleries throughout the Midwest.