17. Creative Spirit with the Innocents
Artist: Robert Hyslop
These bronze statues were a gift to the college from sculptor Robert Hyslop and his wife, Katherine. The business manager at the Fergus Falls Clinic, Hyslop had a creative streak that led him to study in Mexico and subsequently bring his skills with bronze home to his Fergus Falls art studio.
The pieces depict a teacher instructing his students – fitting for a college setting. Local artist and craftsman Jay McDougall was commissioned to design the wooden display case for the statues.
When Robert Hyslop moved from his Fergus Falls home, dozens of maquettes were stored in his basement. Warren Olsen, a retired English instructor and curator of the college art collection, was enlisted to distribute them to community members who would appreciate them. Several Hyslop maquettes were added to the M State collection at that time.