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Denver sculptor Rik Sargent pauses to connect with his 1.5 ton bronze “One World One Water” sculpture moments after its permanent installation in front of the Student Success building April 18.
The massive piece was commissioned and donated by Valerie Gates. It spent six months on display at the Bozeman Public Library in Montana before moving to Auraria in time for the Metro name change bill signing ceremony.
The water drop shape is engraved with hundreds of tiny details that depict 20 habitats, 100 animals and industrial water users. The ground around the installation will be shaped like ripples from its base.
“The thought on the piece is one world one water, it’s unity through diversity,” said Sargent. “This is the thing that I love so much about Metro University — the unity of your student population. I think that piece represents, for me, a real respect for the Metro community and the diversity that’s there.”
In conjunction with the opening of Metro’s OWOW Center for Urban Water Education and Stewardship, a new Pilot Water Studies minor will be introduced in the curriculum this fall.
“It’s a symbol the represents that realness of this program, Sargent said. “This isn’t just a fly-by night opportunity, this is a real commitment that the school has made to a program that will last for many years and hopefully enrich a lot of lives. The whole water renaissance is quite extraordinary of our time.
The sculpture will be formally dedicated May 2 at 4:30 p.m.
“It’s the fulfillment of the circle. It finally came home and I couldn’t be happier,” Sargent said.
People: Rik Sargent, Valerie Gates
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