Passages

Keystone of Campus

Passages, which now stands outside the Krannert Fine Arts Center, became a part of campus in 1988. Faculty and students chose Passages out of several other possible designs as part of the Visiting Artist’s Grant. The winning artist was James Johnson, Chairman of Art Department at Eastern Illinois University.

The sculpture is made of corten steel, a material which rusts naturally to a predictable color, removing the need for paint. It was built over three weeks in the spring of 1987, using Anderson University's own foundry, by Mr. Johnson, Ken Ryden and 8 to 10 university students.

According to Kenneth Ryden, Passages embraces a concept that is specifically rooted in concerns that are addressed at Anderson University, namely the strengthening of mind, body, and spirit through the Anderson University experience. James Johnson's symbolism is largely based on the integral role that a Keystone plays in early architectural  arch construction and transitions involved in related growth experiences. The large wedge intersecting the arch can be seen as representative of the Anderson University experience and transitions into and out of the experience of our life's journey.