It's definitely cool. I feel pretty proud. When I have kids, I'm going to drive past it and say, 'See that? My buddies and I fabricated that whole thing.’
Arriving on campus with an interest in art, Logan Brown, '26, discovered his passion lay not with pencils or paintbrushes but with a welding torch.
Logan uses the tool to transform sheets of metal into sculptures, including a 5-foot-tall piece on the Bridgewater State campus that features a giant heart followed by the letters BSU.
"It's definitely cool. I feel pretty proud," said Logan, who earned a degree in art. "When I have kids, I'm going to drive past it and say, 'See that? My buddies and I fabricated that whole thing.’"
Working under the mentorship of art professor Rob Lorenson, Logan, Elijiah Donahue, '27, and Lukas Sonntag, '28, built the sculpture over several months. The work, which Bridgewater State's Spirit Committee commissioned as a way to promote campus pride, is prominently located near the Shea-Durgin residence halls. It has already become a popular photo location.
The sculptors, who aspire to pursue their craft as a career or hobby, said forming the letter B was the most challenging. They needed to use a heavy-duty roller and lots of finesse to work the aluminum into the intricate shape.
"It was pretty satisfying work," said Lukas, a computer science major.
Elijiah, an art major who adjusted his focus from graphic design to metalwork, added: "I didn't think coming to school here I'd end up with a piece on campus."
The artists overcame rising aluminum costs and a paint shortage. They credit Lorenson for helping them grow as sculptors.
"He taught us everything we all know," said Lukas.
Having the opportunity to use their talents in such a visible way on campus underscores what makes BSU special, they said.
“It shows Bridgewater’s commitment to the students,” Logan said. “It’s an overall welcoming community, and I feel like having a student-based project helps push that through.”
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu.