UNT Eagle In High Places

Prior to visiting the University of North Texas campus, I had seen pictures of this statue. But seeing the 22-foot tall statue up close is much... more

by Joan Carroll

Title

UNT Eagle In High Places

Artist

Joan Carroll

Medium

Photograph - Digital Photograph

Description

Prior to visiting the University of North Texas campus, I had seen pictures of this statue. But seeing the 22-foot tall statue up close is much different from seeing a picture! It is towering and majestic and joyful. Artists have described the statue, In High Places, as a soaring eagle doing a handstand on a wingtip. Since 1990, the statue in the heart of the University of North Texas campus has served as a rallying point for the university. The 1,900-pound statue was dedicated in 1990 as part of the university's centennial celebration. The sculptor, Gerald Balciar, said in dedicating the statue that the eagle is an excellent symbol. "An eagle does not rise above its surroundings just for the heck of it," he said. "The eagle has a purpose in mind before it starts its upward journey. The eagle doesn't spend a lot of time in the clouds. It goes high enough to get a clear view of the world around it and then goes to work. With this bronze, I salute the high-flying spirit of achievement I find embodied in the eagle and in the University of North Texas." North Texas' bronze eagle landed in its place outside the University Union and Administration Building after Larry Jobe, a former chair of the President's Council, brought the idea to university officials. Jobe suggested wildlife sculptor Balciar after seeing the artist's work at a Dallas gallery. With its eternal flight, the soaring eagle continues to remind students and visitors that it is not simply a mascot, it is a symbol of a dynamic university.

FEATURED PHOTO, Texas Landscape and Landmark Photography group, 7/8/14

FEATURED PHOTO, SOLD on FAA group, 6/11/14

Uploaded

June 5th, 2014