At Wayne State College, Steve Elliott serves as the Vice President for Academic Affairs. His administrative role requires frequent meetings, countless hours of planning and a dedication to the college's student body.
Though students may not normally have a view into the artistic side of the vice president, Elliott has an extensive background in the world of art. This summer, one of his sculptures went up in Wayne as part of its 2023 Sculpture Walk.
Located outside the Wayne County Courthouse, "Mantle" emerged from experimentation with drawing with metal, Elliott explained.
"I often find inspiration in the relationships between structure, nature and architecture," Elliott said. "I wanted to create mass and form, strong enough both stand on its own and withstand our harsh Nebraska environment."
This vision of an environmentally-strong sculpture was not the only motivator in the creation of the piece.
At the time, Elliott had just become a father. The cage-like stability reflected his eagerness to protect his new child. Along with "Mantle," he created a piece entitled "Cradle," which now acts as a permanent installation in Sioux City, Iowa.
Before kick starting his art career, Elliott served in the Marine Corps for four years on an active duty tour. Then, the native of Quantico, Virginia came to the Midwest, studying fine arts and sculpting at the University of Kansas. He received his M.F.A from the University of Maryland soon after.
After hearing of an opening at WSC to teach sculpture, he made another move to the Midwest and has stayed ever since.
Starting in 2003, Elliott taught for 10 years. His administrative duties began in 2013 after he was asked to serve as the Dean of Arts and Humanities.
In 2016, he moved to his current position, where he has headed and supported student academic affairs for seven years now.
Elliott has largely focused on large-scale works, displaying these and other mixed-media pieces in more than 80 exhibitions in 26 states, according to his website.
Since taking his administrative role, the artist has had to focus on constructing smaller pieces and showing more locally. This last part, he said, has worked out great for him.
"Twenty years ago, I was on the road a lot taking sculptures all over," Elliott said. "There were few places in or around Nebraska to present art. Now, Grand Island, Norfolk, Sioux City and, especially, Wayne all have opportunities."
"I feel honored to take part in the Wayne exhibit," he added. "It is great to see the city sees the value in utilizing art to improve quality of life within the town."
To see more of Elliott's art or read about his journey, visit his website at elliottsculpture.com.
