Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection

University Museums presents "Terra Cotta Conservation in the Art on Campus Collection," showcasing the conservation technology preserving Danish-American artist Christian Petersen's iconic terra cotta sculptures across Iowa State University's campus. Materials samples and behind-the-scenes conservation insights reveal how the museum is preserving the History of Dairying fountain—a National Register of Historic Places landmark created in 1934 as a Public Works of Art Project (PWAP) installation. During the Depression, Iowa State College President Raymond M. Hughes directed Petersen to work in terra cotta because the college's ceramic engineering department could produce it on campus within PWAP's tight budget and timeline. The material proved affordable and expressive—Petersen could create detailed public art at a fraction of bronze or marble's cost, perfectly aligned with the land-grant mission. His hand-modeling technique captured intricate details in treasured campus sculptures like Fountain of the Four Seasons (1941) and Three Athletes (1936). The exhibition highlights the partnership between University Museums and ISU's Manufacturing & Teaching Labs, where materials engineer Sawyer Krotz conducted comprehensive 3D scans of the fountain to create precise digital models for replication. 3D scanning ensures replicated elements match Petersen's original dimensions exactly. Visitors see preservation science firsthand through samples.