Now head toward Atwood Memorial Center and turn left to view “Cascade” by Richard Hansen, the Husky Plaza bronze sculpture by Chris Bennett, and “Granite River” by Anita Montag ’96 located on the Plaza between the Performing Arts and Atwood Memorial Center.
Cascade
Developed by Richard Hansen in 2000, “Cascade” is inspired by the topography of the St. Cloud State campus as it engages the Mississippi River. The vertical granite forms with lively carved edges serve as abstracted slices through the campus as it meets the river. The forms also represent the sculptural presence throughout the seasons – with cascading water during the warm season and with the memory of water during the winter months.
Husky Plaza Bronze Sculpture
Created by sculptor Chris Bennett in 2019, the Husky Plaza bronze sculpture celebrates the 150th anniversary of St. Cloud State. Surrounding the sculpture are bricks from alumni and friends of St. Cloud State celebrating their time on campus. The space around the sculpture serves as a centerpiece for gatherings on campus.
The Husky stands approximately 72 inches tall from the base to the tips of the ears and is two-time life size while posing on top of a granite platform at the plaza. It is surrounded by a curved wall and is the center of a plaza filled with bricks inscribed by St. Cloud State alumni, students, parents, employees and friends who have left a permanent legacy on campus.
Granite River
Designed by Anita Montag ’96 and sculpted by Jim McCann, Tom Schleicher and Brad Woods, “Granite River” reflects the history of St. Cloud State and the surrounding area and incorporates the original carriage stoop from the original Allen Atwood residence.
Completed in late 2004, Granite River represents St. Cloud State, the surrounding community, and the history. Granite used was chosen for its beauty and its connection to the area’s history, as well as signifying St. Cloud State’s strong bond to heritage and history.
The granite’s flowing fluid shapes reflect on the significance of the Mississippi River, continuing the theme from the Cascade fountain nearby. The lines and height are meant to reflect on the changes and growth that individuals experience at St. Cloud State.
The carriage stoop from the original Allen Atwood residence, which stood on the spot of Atwood Memorial Center, ties Granite River back to the Atwood family. Atwood Memorial Center is named in honor of the Atwood family.
