Brittany CowanRecently, N.C. Central University has changed the location of a work of art that has been on the school’s radar since 2012: “Eaglelette,” a fiberglass cow sculpture created by NCCU alumnus Quintin Neal.
More than a mere student art project, Eaglelette was a part of Durham’s CowParade, a local exhibit that uses fiberglass cows for canvases.
Established in 1999 by Swiss art director Pascal Knapp, the idea for the exhibit was conceived as a way for artists residing in or around hosting cities to showcase their artistic skills in a rather unconventional way. CowParades have been held in major cities across the globe.
In the three weeks of diligent work it took to create Eaglelette, Neal, then a studio arts senior, was able to bring to life something that was important to him and to its subject. Through his use of maroon, gray, and NCCU-based symbols, Neal was able to pay homage to the university and show off his school spirit.
“I am always up for a challenge, and creating a design that would represent my alma mater was a great honor,” Neal told the university after Eaglelette’s completion.
After the Durham CowParade, each participant’s cow had the opportunity to be displayed throughout the city. Eaglelette was displayed downtown inside Durham’s American Tobacco Campus.
Although downtown Durham was a beautiful location to display Neal’s creation, NCCU believed that Eaglelette’s permanent home should be somewhere for NCCU students, faculty, and staff to see.
Eaglelette was displayed near the Mary Townes Science Building until moving this semester to its newest location in the annex between C. Ruth Edwards Music Hall and the Fine Arts Building, making it easier than ever for people to see the sculpture or use it for a great photo op.
Art Department chair Connie M. Floyd was ecstatic to discover that Eaglelette would be relocated to the Fine Arts Building. He explained that some have questioned the purpose of displaying Eaglelette, but positive responses have so far outnumbered the negative ones.
Eaglelette not only brings forth a greater sense of campus pride but also represents how strongly NCCU connects to the arts. Hopefully, future students will be able to enjoy the maroon and gray cow for years to come.
