Photos by Ralph Freso
Grand Canyon University recently received a new campus sculpture, “Bolero.”
Sculpted by Robert Holmes and donated by doctoral adjunct professors Drs. Andrew and Linda Miller, the bronze piece features a group of three dancers holding hands in a circle and practicing movements of a traditional Argentinian folk dance.
“We wanted Grand Canyon University to have this fine art to add beauty and contribute to the distinguished educational campus of excellence,” Andrew Miller said.
Holmes was exposed to the art of building and designing homes at a young age when he would assist his father. He went on to earn a degree in civil engineering from the University of Arizona and opened his own construction, design and development company. Along the way, Holmes developed a passion for sculpture.
“Bolero” is one of his many pieces seen in the U.S., Europe and Asia.
Holmes' comtemporary figurative work "expresses a nurturing, universal quality which celebrates the joy of being, the joy of movement, and our basic human need for connectedness," wrote Jayne McGuire in her review of a sculpture for Del Mar, California. "A consistent vitality is present in all of Holmes' figures, evident in the graceful movement of his dancers and runners. ..."
The signed sculpture is 29 inches high and 46 inches wide and is one of several signature pieces added to GCU's campus in recent years.
Gary Tillery and Omri Amrany’s sculpture of sports entrepreneur Jerry Colangelo, the student-produced three crosses facing Global Credit Union Arena, and Joe Tyler’s 2024 “Grace Tree” flanking Prescott Field serve as statements to GCU's foundation and Christian mission.
This spring's senior class dedication of an antelope monument marking GCU's 75th anniversary added history to the growing collection.
When the “Grace Tree” was donated to GCU from Tyler in January, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Dr. Tim Griffin was optimistic about the campus’ future beautification.
“This is the beginning of a lot of art being installed on campus,” Griffin said then.
Ethington Theatre’s lawn fittingly became the location for "Bolero," echoing the musical, dance and theatrical creative forces of the College of Arts and Media. The figures' interlocking hands and feeling of cohesive movement speak to the unity found within the college’s programs.
“The image works well for our dance and theatre programs,” said Dr. Craig Detweiler, dean of the college. “It emphasizes how creative endeavors unite us in collaboration.”
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