Friday afternoon Morehead State University officials and the community gathered to witness the unveiling of a new focal point on campus.
With a wingspan of nearly 12 feet, the new eagle sculpture on the campus of Morehead State University is a sight to behold. Well over a hundred MSU alumni, community members, and art lovers gathered to see its dedication and show their appreciation to the artist, Sam McKinney.
“To be finally recognized and to be able to leave a mark at the school that left a mark on me is so satisfying and I’m grateful,” said McKinney.
McKinney is a two-time graduate of MSU and has taught art there on and off over the years. He’s also a world-renowned artist with pieces displayed across the country and the globe. That’s what brought business owner Derek Caskey out on Friday.
“Sam McKinney. He’s an incredible artist, he’s a true renaissance man and to see any of his art, yeah, it’s amazing,” said Caskey.
Caskey said the Centennial Bronze Eagle is a testament to the community.
“I think it expresses the talent that we have in this community. For somebody to make a career being an artist in east Kentucky, being an artist anywhere is difficult, but it’s a true expression of what we have here, a true artist,” said Caskey.
McKinney said creating the eagle was a lengthy endeavor.
“You got about 15 minutes? Well, there’s many processes. There’s building the framework to put the clay on and sculpt the actual piece. Then when that’s finished you cover it in liquid rubber and plaster and that’s the molding process you pull the impression off of it,” said McKinney.
From there the molds were sent to a foundry to be cast. When the 13 pieces came back in bronze, McKinney said he then welded them together, hid the welds, and sandblasted the whole sculpture.
“And then after that, you put the patina on it. Which is you use chemicals that react with the bronze and turns it the color that you want,” said McKinney.
It took a year to complete the sculpture, which is now ‘soaring’ over the courtyard between the Adron Doran University Center and the Combs Building on campus. The eagle is positioned with its large, feathered wings outstretched to either side and its sharp talons thrust forward as if to catch some prey.
The piece was sponsored by MSU alum Ron Cartee, class of 1965. Cartee said the sculpture is special to him and his family.
“And it represents around 60,000 people that’s graduated here, even more, and everybody that’s going to come here,” said Cartee.
Rick Hesterberg with University Enhancement said it was a big day for Morehead State University.
“To have an icon like the eagle put in a bronze statue really adds an element to campus that I think is something that we’re going to consider our signature monument here on campus. I think it's going to be a great attraction,” said Hesterberg.
Hesterberg said the response from the crowd was proof of the sculpture’s impact.
