Katie Campbell-Site Specific
5/4/2026
Proposal:
This
proposal presents a site-specific installation of small cast bronze squirrel
sculptures placed throughout Prexy’s Pasture on the University of Wyoming
campus. Each sculpture represents a different college within the university,
using subtle, integrated details to reflect areas of study such as education,
law, agriculture, arts and sciences, and energy resources. The squirrels will
be placed in natural, high-traffic areas such as trees, benches, and rocks so
they feel like part of the existing environment rather than something separate
from it. Instead of being immediately noticeable, the installation is meant to
be discovered over time, unfolding gradually as people move through space.
The project builds on the already
strong presence of squirrels on campus. Over time, they have become an
unofficial mascot through everyday student interaction and even on social
media, where students document and share their encounters. These squirrels are comfortable
around people and often approach them, creating small, memorable moments in
otherwise routine days. This installation takes that familiar experience and
transforms it into something intentional. By incorporating details that
represent each college, the work connects directly to student identity while
still maintaining a sense of humor and familiarity. It does not introduce
something entirely new but instead builds on what already exists within campus
culture.
Prexy’s Pasture is especially suited for this
installation because it is one of the most active and recognizable spaces on
campus. Students pass through it constantly, often without stopping, while at
the same time, it is filled with squirrels that are a normal part of the
landscape. This overlap allows the installation to exist seamlessly within the
environment. The presence of both real and sculpted squirrels creates a moment
of uncertainty, encouraging people to slow down and look more closely. Because
the space is open and spread out, the sculptures can be distributed across
different areas, allowing each viewer to encounter them in a personal and
unplanned way. This approach makes the installation feel a part of daily campus
life rather than staged or separate from it.
The sculptures will be produced using
cast bronze, a material chosen for its durability and ability to hold detailed
form over time. Each squirrel, including all its identifying features, will be
sculpted by hand before casting, ensuring every element is fully integrated
into the final piece. This ensures both structural strength and visual
consistency across the installation. Surface finishes, such as patina, will be
used to bring out detail while maintaining a cohesive appearance. The works
will be installed using secure methods that protect both the sculptures and the
surrounding environment, ensuring they remain stable without damaging existing
campus features.
The overall goal of this project
is to enhance how people experience a familiar space. As individuals move
through Prexy’s Pasture, they may not immediately notice the sculptures, but
once one is discovered, it encourages a shift in attention. What begins as a
routine walk becomes something more engaging, as viewers start to look more
closely and search for additional pieces. These small moments of discovery
create a sense of connection, not only to the artwork but also to the campus
itself. By working within an already active and meaningful environment, the
installation invites people to slow down, observe, and experience their
surroundings in a new way.
4/27/2026
So far, I have made all my squirrels either digitally or out of Sculpty. I have not painted them yet, but they are all made. I have made the trees and glued on some grass for the aerial map of Prexy's pasture. I am stuck on how to set everything up like all the pictures, since I have a lot of them, like the squirrels and pictures I took of prexy's. Should I use one of those poster boards used for presentations? I am also stuck on what else I need to do, like the research part of this project, for example, how much money I would need to make this project, and how I would go about that.
4/12/2026
Lately, I’ve been kind of stuck between two directions with my work. I really love making Christian art and pieces that reflect my faith, and that’s something that will always matter to me. But at the same time, I’ve been leaning toward doing something a little more light-hearted and fun. I think I just need that right now—not to replace the deeper work, but to give myself space to try something different.
That’s why I keep coming back to the squirrel idea. Instead of doing one for different colleges, I want to base it around the University of Wyoming and focus on the different colleges within it, like the business college and others. I like the idea of making one squirrel for each area and giving each one a small outfit that represents that specific college. This could be through colors, symbols, or small details that connect to what that program is known for, making each one feel unique but still part of the same overall idea.
I also think this idea could really push the site-specific concept further. Instead of just placing something in a space, each squirrel would actually relate to where it is. It would feel like it belongs there, almost like it’s part of that environment. Each one would reflect something about that specific college, which makes the piece more thoughtful than it might seem at first.
Another thing I like is how approachable it is. It’s something people could notice, smile at, and maybe even connect with if they recognize the details. It doesn’t feel as serious, but it still has meaning in a different way.
Right now, I think I’m leaning this direction because it feels more natural for where I’m at. It lets me have fun with my work while still being intentional, and that feels important to me.
Below is a map with a label of each building on campus.
4/5/2026
So far, I have two ideas. I struggled with what I want to do because I want to keep with my theme of faith and or small quiet moments in time. I am still not sure of these ideas and maybe expolore more.
For my first idea, I wanted to create something lighthearted that connects to the idea of quiet moments in time. I thought it would be interesting to use humor and surprise to make people pause and smile during their day. My idea is to place small sculpted squirrels throughout Prexy’s Pasture on campus, positioned in natural but unexpected spots like hanging on trees, sitting on trash cans, or resting on benches.
Each squirrel would have accessories that reflect campus life, such as a Chick-fil-A bag, a UW beanie and gloves, or a backpack with books. These details would make them feel relatable and connected to student experiences. I would continue adding more ideas to represent different parts of campus culture.
This project is site-specific because squirrels are already an important part of campus life. They act almost like an unofficial mascot, with social media pages dedicated to them and students interacting with them daily. Because of this, the sculptures would blend into the environment while also creating a sense of surprise.
The goal is to create small moments of joy that interrupt people’s routines in a subtle way. By noticing these squirrels, viewers are encouraged to slow down and be more present. Overall, the installation uses playful, familiar imagery to bring attention to the often overlooked details of everyday campus life.
The artwork that made me think of this is the Trolls by Thomas Dambo. As they are placed around places, but each troll is not the same as the one below. The troll is taking the lamp posts and gathering them like flowers. There are multiple trolls, but each is different on the site and does not work anywhere but their site. Another artwork is Humpty Dumpty by Kimber Fiebiger in Colorado Springs. These sculptures are specifically placed in the Rocky Mountain regions, and each of them shows a characteristic of Colorado.
For my second idea, I wanted to create something more faith-based and reflective. This installation would take place in my church, specifically in a small hallway room that people pass through before entering the sanctuary or other areas. Even though the space is small, it serves as a transition point, making it a meaningful place to prepare people’s hearts and minds before worship. This makes it very site-specific, as the layout and purpose of the space are unique to this church.
My idea is to paint a mustard seed tree on one of the walls, symbolizing how faith can grow from something small into something strong. I want to combine painting and sculpture by adding dimensional elements, such as paper leaves that fill the tree and extend out into the room. This would make the piece feel more immersive, as if the tree is growing beyond the wall.
I would also add texture to the trunk, like bark, to create the illusion that it is coming out of the wall. In addition, I would paint birds mentioned from the bible, such as doves, to represent peace, and attach paper wings to give them more depth and movement.
The goal of this installation is to create a quiet, reflective moment as people enter the church. By surrounding viewers with imagery of growth and peace, it encourages them to slow down and mentally prepare for worship while experiencing a sense of calm and spiritual connection.
