Department of Culture, Recreation, & Tourism
BATON ROUGE, La. – The Percent for Art program, a key initiative of the Louisiana Office of Cultural Development`s Division of the Arts, is proud to announce the dedication of a new public art sculpture titled In Our Hands by Vito Di Bari. The dedication ceremony will take place on Wednesday, September 18, 2024, at 4 p.m. near the entrance of the Stephenson Pet Clinic on Skip Bertman Drive at the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine.
"This beautiful sculpture will stand as a testament to the commitment of the LSU Veterinary School to improving and safeguarding the lives of both animals and humans through their exemplary education, research, and compassionate care," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.
Created by renowned artist Vito Di Bari, the sculpture features two hands crafted from powder-coated steel, rising 16-feet tall and spanning 18-feet wide. This monumental piece symbolizes the dual mission of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine and serves as a visual representation of its dedication to the well-being of the community it serves. The hollow, reinforced structure of the sculpture underscores the strength and support provided by the institution.
The chosen site for this installation, near the Stephenson Pet Clinic on Skip Bertman Drive, strategically positions the sculpture to be a prominent and meaningful landmark on campus. Its location, between the Mississippi River and Tiger Stadium, ensures visibility and connection with the broader LSU community.
The creation and installation of In Our Hands were made possible through the Percent for Art Program, following the guidelines of the Percent for Art law enacted in 1999. This law mandates that one percent of the budget from state-funded construction or renovation projects be allocated to acquiring and installing public art. The Percent for Art Program is dedicated to enhancing public spaces across Louisiana, and this latest installation exemplifies its commitment to enriching the state`s cultural landscape.
The Percent for Art Program is committed to continuing its collaboration with LSU to introduce additional art to the campus in the future. The dedication ceremony will celebrate not only this outstanding work of art but also the ongoing partnership between LSU and the Percent for Art Program in fostering a vibrant and inspiring environment.
The community is encouraged to attend the dedication and witness the unveiling of In Our Hands, a beacon of the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine`s values and a new landmark for the Baton Rouge area.