After 12 years of planning, construction and design, “Roots of Knowledge” will hold an unveiling on Friday, November 18 with a reception from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. “Roots of Knowledge” is one of the most impressive stained glass projects in the country standing at 10-feet high and 200-feet wide with an 80-pane panorama. Each window celebrates art, architecture, music, law, literature, philosophy, medicine, science, technology and major world events from the dawn of time.
“Roots of Knowledge has been a university-wide project that hundreds of staff and students have contributed to with great enthusiasm and anticipation,” said President Holland. “It is not just a beautiful work of art, but also the result of a truly collaborative effort that exemplifies our engaged learning philosophy and that we hope will inspire generations of students to come. We believe the exploration of the evolution of knowledge through this historic medium will provide rich and boundless educational opportunities for students and our entire community for the foreseeable future and well beyond the next 75 years.”
“Roots of Knowledge” was conceived by artist Tom Holdman and UVU President Matthew Holland. Combining the work and guidance of 40+ professional artists, 26 UVU scholars and 350+ UVU students, the art piece was an opportunity for students to put their skills to use. The project was made through a collaborative effort between UVU and Holdman Studios, one of the country’s top stained glass art studios based in Lehi.
“Roots of Knowledge has been a labor of love for me and my team, but we could not have completed it without the support of UVU, President Holland and the many students and faculty who took part in its creation,” said Tom Holdman. “It is a chance of a lifetime to see Roots of Knowledge at its permanent home on the UVU campus, and I hope it inspires everyone who comes to view it to strive to reach their best potential.”
Utah Valley University began as a vocational school during World War II and has expanded to a teaching university with over 35,000 students. Focused on immerse curriculum, the school strives to provide real-world contexts and situations with which their students can interact and learn from.
For more information on the project and the reception, click here.
-Brieanna Olds
