Helios

Art for the 75th Anniversary

Helios became one of the campus' most recognizable features in 1993 in commemoration of Anderson University's 75th anniversary. Now, at the university's centennial anniversary, the piece continues to stand outside Hartung Hall on the Valley side. Helios was designed by Anderson University art professor Arlon Bayliss, who said that Helios was a “metaphor for the searching, illuminating, ever-growing phenomenon that we call a university.”

The sculpture is made up of 150 sheets of glass arranged into a double helix which stands at the center of a fountain. The shape is appropriate, considering its place outside the campus’ main science building. The piece is also full of meaning for the 75^th anniversary. The sheets of glass are turned 270 degrees, or 75 percent of a full circle. Each sheet is three-fourths of an inch thick. The total height of the double helix structure is nine feet, four and half inches, or seven and half (7.5) inches short of the intended ten feet.

References

• "Kindling the Flame: Celebrating 75 Years" Folder, A.C./A.U. Buildings Documents, Anderson University and Church of God Archives