Grand Canyon University kicked off the celebration of its 75th anniversary year with the dedication of a new sculpture. "Grace Tree," a 15 1/2- x 11-foot metal sculpture, was created and gifted by Surprise, Arizona-based botanical artist Joe Tyler. The event included addresses by Tyler, GCU President Brian Mueller and student body president Jagaar Halverson, as well as a performance of "Amazing Grace" by Critical Mass and alumni guest vocalists. Dedication storyMore on Joe Tyler and the 'Grace Tree'
Artist Joe Tyler at his home workshop in Surprise, Arizona. Tyler’s “Grace Tree” steel sculpture was unveiled on campus in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler at his home workshop in Surprise, Arizona. Tyler’s “Grace Tree” steel sculpture was unveiled on campus in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler at his home workshop in Surprise, Arizona. Tyler’s “Grace Tree” steel sculpture was unveiled on campus in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler (left) with friend Eric Bolze, who fabricated the leaves on Tyler’s “Grace Tree” steel sculpture. The artwork was unveiled on campus in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler at his home workshop in Surprise, Arizona. Tyler’s “Grace Tree” steel sculpture was unveiled on campus in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler’s “Grace Tree” steel sculpture was unveiled on campus in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler’s “Grace Tree” steel sculpture, which features seven fruits of the Spirit, was unveiled on campus in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.The “Grace Tree” steel sculpture by artist Joe Tyler was unveiled on campus in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.GCU President Brian Mueller welcomes guests and introduces Critical Mass and the GCU Alumni Choir during the dedication ceremony of the “Grace Tree” steel sculpture in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Critical Mass is joined by the GCU Alumni Choir in singing “Amazing Grace” during the dedication ceremony of the “Grace Tree” steel sculpture in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler (front row, right) and guests applaud a performance by Critical Mass and the GCU Alumni Choir during the dedication ceremony of his “Grace Tree” sculpture in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler speaks during the dedication ceremony of his “Grace Tree” sculpture in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler speaks during the dedication ceremony of his “Grace Tree” sculpture in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Guests applaud during the dedication ceremony of the “Grace Tree” sculpture in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Artist Joe Tyler’s “Grace Tree” steel sculpture during the dedication ceremony in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.Guest view the “Grace Tree” steel sculpture during the dedication ceremony in front of the Lope Shop on Jan. 8, 2024.
