News Release

November 14, 2006

Contact: Jane Shaskan, 860-679-4777
e-mail: shaskan@nso.uchc.edu

Outdoor Sculpture Donated by Artist

“Foldage” by Sculptor Bill Wood Graces Lower Campus

FARMINGTON, CONN. – A brilliantly polished and buffed aluminum sculpture has been given to the UConn Health Center by sculptor Bill Wood of Fairfax, Va. and Madison, Conn. “Foldage” is a multi-dimensional angled piece that reflects the changing scenery and weather and the angled matte black surfaces on its polished panels.

Selected by the Health Center’s art committee, the sculpture was created by the West Haven native with its current location in mind, near the pathway along the pond on the Health Center’s lower campus. “It has relevance in its location. The way the sun hits this one spot is beautiful,” said Wood after seeing the installed sculpture.

“It’s an especially tranquil spot,” said Health Center art curator Linda Webber. “There are benches where people can sit, relax and enjoy the scenery and the art. We are very grateful for this generous, beautiful gift.”

Wood’s interest in art and sculpture began while he was a student at the Storm King School in Cornwall-on-Hudson, N.Y. He was encouraged by a visiting-artist to pursue his artistic inclinations and talents. “I was interested in drawing and 3-dimensional art. When I made sculptures, people liked them and wanted one, so I’d give it to them,” Wood quipped. “This kept me going. It was a very creative environment.”

He went on to attend Ottawa University in Ottawa, Kan., and then the Kansas City Art Institute in Mo. He was an instructor at the Sculpture Resource Center in Glen Echo, Md., before becoming a business partner in custom home construction, one of which was featured on the television program “Extreme Homes.”

Four years ago, Wood sold his half of the business and now devotes most of his time to sculpting. Most recently he was a semi-finalist for a commissioned piece for the grounds of the new Southeast Anchor Branch of the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore.

Wood exhibited in a one-year, one-man show at the Maryland Hall for Creative Arts in Annapolis. He also exhibited at Sculpture on the Grounds shows in Rockville, Md.; Alexandria Sculpture festivals in Va.; Artscape in Baltimore; Outdoor Sculpture, North Virginia Community College, in Annandale; and the Glen Echo Gallery, in Glen Echo, Md.

Download high resolution photo of Wood’s sculpture at: www.uchc.edu/ocomm/images/images_news/foldage.jpg.

The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of medicine and dental medicine, John Dempsey Hospital, the UConn Medical Group and University Dentists. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of providing outstanding health care education in an environment of exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about the UConn Health Center, visit our website at www.uchc.edu.

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