News

UA Art Students Conspire in Monster Coup of Tuscaloosa

Terrifying monsters of all shapes and sizes have overrun the city of Tuscaloosa! Termed the “Monster Takeover,” official reports verify that UA art students were heavily involved in the invasion of bronze handmade monsters, stationing their terrifying, but usually tiny, metal miscreations in key locations around town. Track them down at your own risk!

Ringo Lisko, Monster Takeover 2018
Ringo Lisko, Monster Takeover 2018, Harrison Galleries

Multiple locations in downtown Tuscaloosa are the sites of Monster Takeover, an extension of the Monster Makeover program established by the Tuscaloosa News in 2010. Combining the creative talents of local elementary school children and UA students, the Takeover features bronze sculptures placed at various locations in the downtown area.

Monster Takeover used the same process as the original program, but the artists were all students in the Department of Art and Art History at The University of Alabama. The UA students’ works, based on past Monster Makeover participants, were all sculpted and then cast in bronze, under the direction of Professor Craig Wedderspoon. Placed in various locations throughout downtown Tuscaloosa, the monsters are now on public display.

Ringo Lisko, Monster Takeover 2018, Harrison Galleries
Ringo Lisko, Monster Takeover 2018, Harrison Galleries

Junior BFA major in sculpture, Ringo Lisko’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Lawson Kelly, is on the I-beam at Harrison Galleries, 2315 University Boulevard, overlooking the sidewalk. Lisko is also co-creator of the Monnish Park sculpture, Amaryllis, with Amber Daum. Said Lisko, “I am very excited to be a part of Monster Takeover, especially since I got to be in on the very first wave of monsters to go up around town. It was a great experience working with the kids’ drawings, and trying to do justice to their awesome imaginations. I’m also thrilled to be adding to the public art of Tuscaloosa. I strongly believe that public art is an integral part of a well-rounded and lively community, and I hope that these monsters help to keep that momentum going!”

Recent BFA graduate Kalypso Homan’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Lili Gann, is at the corner of University Blvd. and 23rd Street.

Sophomore double major in art history and English Sarah Murphree’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Natalie Nelson, is located on 6th Street and 23rd Avenue (Water Collection?) under the park bench.

UA student Maddie Kennedy’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Jordyn Green, is located near the Light in Government Plaza.

Jennifer Gault, Monster Takeover 2018, in downtown Tuscaloosa
Jennifer Gault, Monster Takeover 2018, in downtown Tuscaloosa

Senior BFA major Jenn Gault’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Sally Poole is at the Dinah Washington Cultural Arts Center on the corner of Greensboro Avenue and 7th Street. Gault has a concentration in sculpture and ceramics with a minor in anthropology.

Bronze sculpture by Jonathan Lanier
Jonathan Lanier, Monster Takeover 2018

Senior BFA major Jonathan Lanier’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Ryan Zheng, is located in Five, on 6th Street, above the bar.

UA graduate student Josh Dugat’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Denny Stuffel, is located near Babe’s Doughnuts on the corner of University Blvd. and Greensboro Avenue.

Senior double major in New College and studio art Megan Fletcher’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Megan Roberts, is at the Government Plaza 6th Street entrance pillar, crawling toward the plaque.

Sophomore art major Zane Boyd’s sculpture, inspired by the art of elementary student Dai’Quan O’Neal, is located at the Bama Theatre, 600 Greensboro Avenue.

For more information about the UA Department of Art and Art History academic programs, go to this page.