Al LaVergne, professor in the Frostic School of Art, was featured on the US Embassy Nigeria's blog for some interesting work he's doing as a Fulbright scholar.
LaVergne traveled to Nigeria to create a 14-foot steel sculpture called 'The Gift' at Obafemi Awolowo University. The sculpture depicts a woman receiving a child from heaven.
The sculpture will be dedicated as part of the University's 50th anniversary celebration later this fall.
LaVergne has always felt a strong connection to Africa, but became interested in studying in Nigeria after prominent woodcarver, Lamidi Fakeye visited WMU's campus. Although Fakeye has since passed away, LaVergne continued with his plans. He will return to Kalamazoo later this fall.
To learn more the project, including LaVergne's culture shock and his sculpture technique, please follow the link below:
US EMBASSY NIGERIA — FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR INSPIRES AND CONNECTS IN IFE