ASUI Recognition Monument
In recognition of Associated Students University of Idaho (ASUI)’s enduring legacy of support for the Dome and many other vital campus resources, the university is commissioning a monument to be located near the P1FCU Kibbie Dome. This permanent monument will stand tall in recognition of ASUI’s contributions to student life and the vibrant Vandal community we’ve built together.
Selected Artist for ASUI Monument
We are thrilled to announce that an artist has been selected for our much-anticipated campus monument! After a thoughtful and collaborative selection process involving 35 submissions and various interviews with talented artists from all over the country, our creative committee reached a unanimous decision to move forward with Gareth Curtiss.
Curtiss stood out for his exceptional engagement throughout the process, his willingness to connect with our community and his impressive depth of experience in public art. With more than 30 years of experience, he has worked on impactful commissions for other universities and institutions, bringing vision and craftsmanship to life. Beyond that, Curtiss demonstrated a strong commitment to involving our campus family in the creation process, ensuring that this monument will truly represent ASUI’s contributions and our Vandal community.
“I am delighted to have been selected to create the statue of Joe Vandal and am looking forward to working with the Vandal community on this great project. Together, we will be making a character already larger than life, much, much larger!” — Gareth Curtiss, Sculptor
Curtiss is from northwestern Montana and has completed several bronze sculptures for various municipalities, athletic teams and public spaces. See Curtiss’s previous work here: garethcurtiss.com
Help Us Shape the Final Design
As we move into the design phase, we want your voice to help shape the final bronze sculpture. This is an opportunity to decide on key details, such as:
- The pose of our beloved mascot
- Facial expressions that embody pride and strength
- Additional elements, such as a shield or an “I”
See the survey below to view design sketches and vote on the elements you feel best represent our Vandal Family and ASUI’s generosity. Your feedback is vital in helping us shape the final design of our mascot monument. The ASUI Creative Committee will review the results and work closely with the artist to incorporate your input into the design. Please note that the final decision on the design will rest with current leadership of the Associated Student Body of the University of Idaho (ASUI).
Other opportunities for in-person feedback and hand-on experiences with the artist is being planned for next semester, so stay tuned for details.
This is more than just a monument; it’s a reflection of who we are, shaped by the collective vision of our campus. Thank you for being a part of this exciting journey!
Survey
Voting closes 11:59 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19