The art of coming together
Note: This article originally appeared in the fall 2022 edition of Spiritus magazine.
The McNichols Campus is a bit more interesting with the addition of a sculpture commissioned by alumnus Tom Page ’71, ’76.
Page commissioned the as-yet-unnamed sculpture to honor and reflect the University’s Jesuit and Mercy foundations, traditions and values and paying homage to Detroit Mercy’s bright future. It was unveiled during Homecoming.
Page said the artwork represents the Ignatian tenet of cura personalis, or care for the whole person, as well as the values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion and service inherent in the work of the Religious Sisters of Mercy. He also says the two arcs represent the Jesuits and the Sisters of Mercy coming together. The Detroit skyline is represented to point out the University’s commitment to the city, and squares of glass blend red for the Jesuits and blue for Mercy. Finally, seven small spheres represent the seven colleges or schools that make up Detroit Mercy.
"Our hope is that students will also create meaning for the sculpture as they see and experience it each day, and hopefully as they meet around it for events and activities," he said.
Page also worked closely with Jason Roche, associate professor of Communication Studies, on a documentary that explains the concept behind the sculpture, which was created by brothers Erik and Israel Nordin of the Detroit Design Center, an organization that specializes in creating art using glass, wood, metal and other media.
"I've been working with Tom for at least 10 years, and it's always great to work with him. When he told me about this project, we both agreed that a video/short documentary would be a great fit," Roche said. "It's a beautiful work of art and I'm grateful for Tom and for the chance to be involved. Erik and Israel were also very helpful in the video, as was my student Cristina Martinez, who helped shoot and edit the video."