NASHVILLE, Tenn. ñVanderbilt‘s new Student Life Center, which
celebrated its grand opening March 30, features a piece of artwork by
Los Angeles-based sculptor Bruce Gray.
“Mobile Alabama” is the name of the sculpture, described by the artist
as a “hanging kinetic art mobile” constructed in painted steel and
“influenced by the great sculptor Alexander Calder.” Gray specializes
in contemporary and abstract modern metal and wood sculptures, and his
work is included in more than 1,100 private and corporate art
collections worldwide, as well as being featured in many movies,
television shows, music videos and commercials.
The mobile was donated by Vanderbilt‘s chapter of Chi Omega in honor of
the sorority‘s 50th anniversary on campus. The Sigma Epsilon chapter of
Chi Omega was founded at Vanderbilt in 1954. Funds to purchase the
artwork were raised by current and past members of the chapter.
“We wanted to utilize the opening of the new Student Life Center as a
chance to give back to the university and express gratitude for our
place on campus and within the Vanderbilt Greek community,” said Kate
Morgan, Chi Omega‘s delegate to the Panhellenic Council. “We are proud
to be a part of a new building that will be widely utilized by
individual students and student organizations to enhance their academic
and social experiences at Vanderbilt.”
The mobile hangs in the Student Life Center‘s pre-function area, to the
left of the desk in the main lobby, near the Student Lounge. The
second-floor Career Center‘s interview lobby perhaps offers the best
view of the mobile.
“We believe the sculpture compliments the modern feeling of the
building, and it provides a great visual from all angles,” said Morgan.
Media contact: Kara Furlong, (615) 322-2706
kara.c.furlong@vanderbilt.edu