LFA’s campus showcases a gallery of artistic expression and a repository of history. As you walk through the campus, you are surrounded by various sculptures, paintings, and historic spaces that tell stories of the past. Here is a closer look at some of the most notable sculptures and places that give LFA its unique charm.
At the heart of the campus, in the oval facing the front of Corbin Center, stands Alliance, a towering sculpture created by an artist named O. V. Shaffer. He has been a visiting artist at several institutions across the United States. Alliance, made of weathered steel, is a powerful example of Shaffer’s artistic philosophy, highlighting relationships and connections. The sculpture’s name, “union by relationship in qualities,” speaks to the bond between the school and its students, symbolizing the strength of community and shared experiences. Over the years, the steel has been weathering and rusting to develop a complex, permanent finish that vilest a distinct color. This transformation mirrors the evolving nature of education and personal growth of LFA. The Class of 1975 gifted this sculpture, leaving a lasting legacy on campus.
Donated in 2014 by the artist Neal Weinfeld, the sculptures Solar Flare, Double Quasar, and Double Helix are striking pieces with vibrant red lines composing the sculpture. Each sculpture, approximately seven feet tall and six feet wide, is made from welded and painted aluminum, allowing for clean lines and a polished finish.
Weinfield’s work evaluates the similarities between natural and manmade forms, focusing on creating evolving protective spaces. He draws inspiration from celestial bodies— where matter expands, condenses, and grows to form new entities, which parallels the creative process in art. These sculptures provide a reminder that the vast universe is interconnected of all things.
In his statement, Weinfeld expressed his gratitude for LFA’s influence on his sons, Will ‘17 and Sam ‘21. He and his wife Mariah donated these works in appreciation of the school’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and strong ethical and moral values. The sculptures are a tribute to the education and community that LFA embodies.
The Director of the Library, Archivist Rita Macayeal, commented on the sculptures around campus, stating, “Art at LFA is more than just a decoration — each sculpture serves as a touchstone for reflection.” Whether it is Shaffer’s exploration of relationships in Alliance or Weingield’s cosmic allegories in Solar Flare, Double Quasar, and Double Helix, the growing collection is a testament to the school’s commitment to fostering intellectual growth and creative expression. With each new addition to the collection, LFA’s campus continues to evolve into a space where art and life intersect, allowing students a unique environment to grow and learn.
