Gator Spirit Statue
Designer: Emeritus Leonard Hunter
Sculptor: Ilaman Sabirov
Materials: Bronze
Location: On campus in front of the Don Nasser Family Plaza.
1600 Holloway Ave
San Francisco, CA 94132
Hours: 24 hours / outdoor viewing
Website: https://alumni.sfsu.edu/content/gator-spirit-statue
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (415) 338-2217
The “Gator Spirit Statue” was designed by Emeritus Leonard Hunter. Hunter was a professor of art and sculpture at SF State until he retired in 2006. Hunter worked with sculptor, Ilaman Sabirov on the project. They collaborated in the past on sculptures at SF State. This ten-foot bronzed statue is located in front of the Don Nasser Family Plaza on campus. The purpose of the statue is to promote school spirit. The gator is hovering over a globe that contains bands listing SF State’s values. Social justice, equity and excellence are a few of the attributes listed.
The “Gator Spirit Statue” is on display 24 hours for viewing. If you want to leave your imprint you can purchase an engraved plaque for $200. The plaque will be permanently adhered to the pedestal of the statue. You can include your name, memorialize a friend or family member or recognize a professor. The statue embodies SF State’s values and spirit! You can email or call the SF State Alumni Association for more information.
Resources:
https://goldengatexpress.org/72812/latest/news/gators-have-new-guardian/
https://goldengatexpress.org/70009/latest/news/new-statue-to-spark-student-spirit/
Buckeye and the Benches
Location: On campus in front of the gymnasium
Hours: outdoor viewing/ 24 hours
Website: https://www.artandarchitecture-sf.com/tag/buckeye-and-the-benches
The original “Buckeye and the benches” was actually designed by the Chancellor at Oxford University from 1506-1532 and this idea was so ahead of that time that his revolutionary plan lay dormant for almost 400 years. But the young artist William Wareham was in a library looking in book and searching for his name but Wareham had an amazing idea and he decided on take on the impressive task of making this sculpture come to life with his combination and impressive skills and forward thinking, Wareham created a sculpture unlike anything seen before and with this sculpture he made it with using recycled steel as his primary material. But the problem that happen next is that a lot of many people rejected his sculpture but some artist were admired and Wareham donated his sculpture back when San Francisco state university was names San Francisco state normal school and this sculptor is still there today in SFSU outside in front of the gymnasium and I sometime go to this place because it makes me relax and jolly and exciting feeling to the space and how good the sculpture looks.
Resources:
- “History – Buckeye & Benches.” Buckeye & Benches, https://www.facebook.com/WordPresscom, 26 Feb. 2013, https://buckeyeandbenches.wordpress.com/about/.