The University of Idaho has invited sculptor Gareth Curtiss from Montana to create a statue of the university’s mascot, Joe Vandal, on the Moscow campus. Curtiss will sculpt live in the Idaho Student Union Building Rotunda from February 4-7, between 8 am and 5 pm.

He will be working on a clay model, known as a maquette, which will serve as a prototype for a full-scale bronze monument. Input was gathered from over 300 students and nearly 1,200 alumni, employees, and community members regarding sketches of three possible poses for Joe Vandal. The selected design features the mascot with arms crossed, leaning on a large “I” monument.

Members of the student body and the community are invited to interact with Curtiss during the sculpting process to help ensure the statue embodies the essence of Joe Vandal, who has represented the university since 1956.

Additional opportunities for involvement will occur throughout the week. An open house is scheduled for Monday, February 3, from 5-6 pm in the ICCU Arena Alumni Club to discuss the art installation. Curtiss will also present a lecture titled “The Art of Creating Bronze Sculpture” on Thursday, February 6, from 6-7 pm in TCL Classroom 40 on the Ground Floor.

Curtiss brings over 30 years of sculpting experience and was chosen after a nationwide selection process. He expressed enthusiasm about the project, stating, “I am delighted to have been selected to create the statue of Joe Vandal and am looking forward to working with the Vandal community on this great project.” The completed bronze statue will be positioned near the Kibbie Dome and the ICCU Idaho Arena.