Alnasco

Identification Plaque

Presented by the Class of 1968

Description

Alnasco was created by renowned South African artist Isaac Witkin, whose work has been exhibited internationally. It was purchased by the Illinois State University Alumni Association for $18,000 after being featured in a well-received Rhode Island gallery exhibition, and was selected by Fred Mills, chairperson of the art department, and Bruce Kaiser, director of the Union. Named for the steel company that provided both the raw material and a place to create it, the sculpture was donated by the Illinois State Alumni Association in 1975 and installed in 1978. The 10-foot-tall sculpture is one of the last examples of Witkin’s work in welded steel. Witken explained, “My sculpture is meant to be experienced in the round, to draw you around to explore the sculpture from all aspects.”

Reference Sources

• “Alnasco debuts.” The Vidette (Normal, IL). March 19, 1975. https://videttearchive.ilstu.edu/?a=d&d=vid19750319-01.2.37&e=——-en-20–1–txt-txIN——-
• “Alumni ‘Alnasco’.” The Vidette (Normal, IL). August 26, 1975. https://videttearchive.ilstu.edu/?a=d&d=vid19750826-01.2.50&e=——-en-20–1–txt-txIN-%27Alnasco%27+debuts——
• Durako, Kathy. “Art objects purchased through fees, alumni.” The Vidette (Normal, IL). November 14, 1975. https://videttearchive.ilstu.edu/?a=d&d=vid19751114-01.2.27&srpos=4&e=——-en-20–1–txt-txIN-art+objects+purchased——
• Meckstroth, Steve, and Mark Schmitt. Campus art: A walking tour of selected artwork on the campus of Illinois State University. Normal: University Marketing and Communications, 2003.