Students and faculty welcomed the installation of a new sculpture this week in front of the Boise State Student Recreation Center. University President Bob Kustra said the 3,000 pound “Rising Star” created by Robert Kantor is a sign of BSU’s rising national profile. “The artwork is a symbol of where we are going as an institution,” Kustra said. He said he met Kantor a year ago at a fundraiser and later encouraged him to bring a piece to BSU.

Kantor, a Ketchum resident, said he creates his art based on his optimistic outlook on life. The piece is a 12 foot high, wind driven mobile to be loaned to BSU by Kantor for three years. It also has tinges of Bronco colors orange and blue, but Kantor said it’s not a direct reference to the university. “[The colors] are more symbolic to the viewer than there are to the artist,” said Kantor. He said he chose the colors as a representative of the optimism that permeates most of his work.

Art professor Francis Fox said he was excited about the addition to the campus. “I think it is fitting that the name of the sculpture encapsulates a vision for BSU.” Others present at the installation shared the same view. “We’re the rising star, not only in Idaho, but in the United States,” said Student Body President David Morriss.
Kantor’s art has appeared in galleries in Idaho. The former graduate fellow at New York University is currently represented by the Ochi Gallery in Ketchum.

By Grace Lucas
News Writer
October 21, 2004