"The Student"

The Judy Swansson Memorial "This piece was commissioned by Judy Swansson's parents. She was a beautiful, bright, young woman, who loved life and the college that she was attending. Cerro Coso College is in Ridgecrest, California. Judy died in a traffic collision, in 1975. Her mother asked that the sculpture be a tribute to young students, It is based on her features, but is not a true likeness. I was working more with her spirit, and the idea of representing a healthy young person, exploring her world. I portrayed her pausing to reflect on something she has just written. The sculpture was installed near the entrance to the college, and formally dedicated on September 27, 2005.

A photo from the dedication ceremony, and two that show the sculpture
as it is now permanently installed at Cerro Coso College.

Quote from Joann Handeland, Director of Information, Development, & Alumni Relations:

"This work titled "The Student" will now become part of the great tradition of Cerro Coso.
We know that other works of art around campus have become gathering places where people stop
to meditate, to relax, to study, and to dream. Cerro Coso is a place to be experienced. Art is an
important part of the experience. A campus without art would be a place without feeling.
"The Student"... the work we are celebrating today is remarkably appropriate for Cerro Coso.
It represents what happens in the lives of students who come here as teenagers to learn...
and emerge as adults, competent, confident, and productive."

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