ABQ Times

The University of New Mexico-Gallup has recently installed a new statue on its campus as part of the New Mexico Arts program, Art in Public Places.

“White Deer of Autumn,” created by Denny Haskew, is a 6-foot-tall bronze sculpture of a cloaked female figure. The sculpture features a patina finish designed to resemble stone and is situated in an outdoor courtyard between Gurley Hall and Calvin Hall Center.

“I hope students, educators, and campus visitors will see this sculpture as a symbol of harmony and bring this back into their workspace, classrooms, and lives,” UNM-Gallup art instructor Kristi Wilson said.

Wilson led the selection committee for the sculpture with support from fellow UNM-Gallup art instructors Dana Aldis and Cortney Yellow-Horse Metzger, along with public relations specialist Richard Reyes. Claude Smith from New Mexico Art in Public Places coordinated the project. John and Alyson Kinkade provided structural engineering and delivery services from JK Designs, Inc., and the National Sculptors’ Guild in Colorado. UNM-Gallup Physical Plant employees, under Maintenance Supervisor Ozzy Guerrero, completed the final installation.

“It was gratifying to work with such an amazing team,” Wilson added.

The sculpture faces eastward to catch the morning sun's rays. It is placed near Gurley Hall’s exterior corner which complements its finish.

“'White Deer of Autumn’ looks at home at UNM-Gallup,” Alyson Kinkade said. “Denny's trademark patina against the rich adobe walls and clear New Mexico blue sky is just dynamic.”

The cloaked figure appears to sway in the wind, exuding strength and resolve. “I was experimenting with planes in the design of my sculptures when I created ‘White Deer of Autumn,’” Haskew explained. He drew inspiration from various sources including a photograph by E.S. Curtis and excerpts from “Wisdomkeepers: Meetings with Native American Spiritual Elders” by Steve Wall and Harvey Arden.

Haskew also cited Chief Oren Lyons' poem “Consciousness” featured in "Wisdomkeepers" as another source of inspiration for his work.

A physical copy of “Wisdomkeepers” is available at UNM-Gallup's Zollinger Library.

The statue at UNM-Gallup is one piece out of a 15-piece limited edition collection that has been fully sold out. The composition has received multiple accolades including a “First Place Award” from the Eiteljorg Museum in 1998.

Haskew resides in Loveland, Colorado, where he continues his work as a charter member of the National Sculptor’s Guild. He has designed over 50 monumental public sculptures since 1992.

"The strength of my work ascends from the spirit of the people portrayed — Native Americans, Mayans, friends, children," Haskew stated. "This same spirit connects each of us with the harmony of nature."

“White Deer of Autumn” was acquired through New Mexico Arts' Art in Public Places program which aims to reflect diverse artistic expressions across New Mexico while building a dynamic public art collection for the state since its establishment through legislation in 1986.

“The New Mexico Arts in Public Places Program is a unique opportunity that provides access to diverse artists enriching all of New Mexico,” Wilson remarked.

UNM-Gallup hosts several artworks thanks to this program including sculptures by Hung Liu among others.

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