A new sculpture exhibition has arrived at Fordham’s Lincoln Center campus, displaying large-scale and whimsical works of art along the sidewalks and elevated plaza. Students and members of the public are invited to explore the new pieces, along with Fordham’s existing sculptures, via a “sculpture walk” that offers information about the works and their artists.
The new exhibition is called “The Magis Sculpture Exhibition,” and it’s made possible thanks to the generosity of Fordham Trustee Kim Bepler in collaboration with Cavalier Galleries. In total, Fordham received 11 new pieces of sculpture on loan from the gallery, which has a location in Nantucket where Bepler has a home. While chatting with gallery owner Ron Cavalier one day, she learned that he was about to de-install an exhibition in Stamford, Connecticut, and that all of the sculptures would be put into storage temporarily.
“I asked if he would be willing to bring them to our Lincoln Center campus instead, and that’s how we got started,” Bepler said.
Fordham’s Sculpture Walk
As part of the exhibition, Fordham received three large-scale sculptures that were installed along 62nd Street: two towering male figures by Jim Rennert, called “Inner Dialogue” and “Timing,” both over 12 feet tall, as well as a 15-foot Bjørn Skaarup sculpture called “Hippo Ballerina,” an iconic two-ton hippopotamus wearing a tutu that visitors may recognize from her various appearances around town.
The eight additional new pieces are featured on the campus’ plaza—one flight above street level and open to the public. These include four bronze female figures by American artist Jane DeDecker and Italian artist Bruno Luchessi; and four more whimsical creatures sculpted by Skaarup, a Danish artist.
These new pieces join the ten existing sculptures on Lincoln Center’s campus, which include several pieces that highlight Fordham’s identity: A ram on the upper plaza, a nod to Fordham’s mascot that was sculpted by Harry M. Stierwalt, Jr.; the statue of St. Ignatius, which stands outside the steps to the upper level along Columbus Avenue, sculpted by Chris Vilardi; and the statue of St. Peter called “Peter the Fisherman,” on the plaza near the entrance to McKeon Hall, sculpted by Frederick Shrady.
To showcase all of the sculptures, Fordham is creating a walking tour called “Fordham’s Sculpture Walk.” Students and members of the public are invited to participate in the free walking tour, scan the QR codes on each sculpture, and learn more about these works of art.
Educating the Whole Person
Together with her late husband, Steve Bepler, FCRH ’64, a longtime Fordham supporter and trustee, Kim Bepler has been a dedicated and generous donor to Fordham for many years. Her prior philanthropic efforts have focused on enhancing Fordham’s STEM programs—the University established five science chairs with major gifts from her and Steve’s estate—in addition to campus beautification efforts, Fordham’s sailing program, a fund for Ukrainian students, and more.
Bringing these sculptures to campus reflects her commitment to the arts as part of a well-rounded Jesuit education.
“My motivation comes from my love for my late husband and his love for his Fordham education,” Bepler said.
“Jesuit education is the education of the whole person—the soul, the inspiration, the arts … I hope these sculptures will be inspiring, and that they’ll give people a moment to pause and reflect as they wander through campus, studying and enjoying our outdoor space.”
