3D art students create collaborative public project for College of Education

July 16, 2021

Following more than a year of preparation for an interactive artwork display based on Georgia Southern University’s bald eagle mascot, “Birds of a Feather” is now on display in the College of Education’s (COE) classroom building on the Statesboro Campus.

“We discussed how the College and University host numerous events in this location, and it would be mutually beneficial to promote the work of art students at Georgia Southern as well as serve as a photo destination for students, alumni and visitors alike,” said Cinnamon Dowd, communications coordinator for the COE.

Collaborating with the Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art (BFSDoArt), the artwork came to life under the leadership and guidance of Kimberly Riner, adjunct professor of art.

“I was excited to participate in this project,” said Riner. “I had the advanced ceramics students assist with the overall design while allowing students in all levels of ceramics courses participate in creating the pieces that would create the overall image.”

Students began work on the collaborative project in spring 2020, but were delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Lyndsey Frantz, Master of Fine Arts alumna (‘21), provided the sketch of the eagle after visiting the University’s Center for Wildlife Education to view the eagles and feathers in person. The individual feathers were crafted by students from two introductory ceramics courses while two advanced ceramics students on the Armstrong Campus, Jamel Richardson and Sabrina Harn, glazed and fired all of the pieces. 

“It was an interesting project because we had several people working on it at different times and from different perspectives,” explained Riner. “It was a bit challenging with getting quarantined in the middle of the project and my original plans being thwarted. I think it all came together well in the end because students from both the Statesboro and Armstrong campuses were able to be involved in the project.”

Installed by BFSDoArt studio technician Jason McCoy, “Birds of a Feather” will be on display ongoing in the COE classroom building lobby.

“This piece is a true representation of a collaborative art work that we are elated to have on display in the College,” said Dowd. “To Kim Riner, Jason McCoy, and all of the students who were a part of this project, we would like to thank you for sharing your hard work and creativity with us.”

Additional students contributing to the public art display include: Jalen Austin, Ronald Brow, Sara Califf, Carlos Carvajal, Anna Forbes, Lindsay Getz, Michael Harper, Kristin Johnson, Breanna Majors, Morgan McClain, Stella McDaniel, Taylor McMahan, Amanda Rothenberg, Ainslee Silverthorne, Rachel Borkowki, MacKenzie Cintron, John Ewald, Patrick Galula, Henvil Grant, Francis Hampton, Quinderrious Humphrey, Anna Jackson, Dejon Johnson, Sydney Kiewit, Christian Maude, Loudashia McCall, Katherine Naude, Anna Raley, and Chad Reese.