Hidden Gems

The Purdue University campus is home to a diverse collection of sculptures — one that includes statues of individuals who have inspired students to commissioned pieces by internationally renowned artists. In this edition of “This Is Purdue,” we turn the spotlight on several of these noteworthy landmarks — from the Bell Tower and Continuum to a student-favorite fountain, a statue honoring a legendary astronaut, and the beloved bronze Boilermaker that greets loyal fans to Purdue athletic competitions. In 2016 Purdue University unveiled the final sculpture designed by the late Nina Hole. The internationally acclaimed artist was known for her outdoor firing technique, which allowed her to transform raw clay into a finished piece of art entirely on site. The finished, life-size clay structure housed at Purdue was modeled to look like a church in the Danish artist’s hometown — a stunning piece introduced to the campus community through performative elements.