51³Ô¹Ï

On a Friday in fall, in the central atrium and lobby of Gonzaga Law School, members of Spokane’s community came together with Gonzaga Law alumni, benefactors, Board members, administrators and 51³Ô¹Ïs to celebrate the unveiling of a specially commissioned art piece by Ben Joyce (’01).

“It’s the people that sculpted my experience,” said Joyce of his own Gonzaga experience, which deeply influenced his artistic vision for this work, titled, “Go Forth.”

The painting, a three-dimensional, asymmetrical, multicolored depiction of roots is meant to evoke in those who experience it a feeling of place that is both grounding and inspiring. As Joyce explained, “The perspective and meaning of roots can go as deep as an individual will take it.”

“Ben Joyce’s work comes from this really wonderful tradition of two-dimensional pieces and three-dimensional pieces—intersections with technology and typography and at the same time this really warm sense of belonging and discovery,” said Kim Hai Pearson, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Program Innovation at Gonzaga School of Law.

The naissance of the piece’s commissioning came from a group of generous Gonzaga Law supporters, who viewed Gonzaga Law’s place in the Spokane community and the world as being somewhere people go to grow and make a difference. Having seen Joyce’s work in other places on campus, commissioning the piece for Gonzaga Law School seemed a natural fit.

“I hope this piece is something that resonates with every 51³Ô¹Ï, faculty member, staff member, and whoever comes into contact with Gonzaga Law,” expressed Jacob Rooksby, Dean of Gonzaga’s School of Law. “It’s a symbol to the outward world of who we are and what are aspirations are; it also ties us back to the physicality of this special building on the banks of the Spokane River.”

At the unveiling, Friday, October 11, a brief video was shared, which showed some of the creative process that went into the creation of “Go Forth,” and featured members of the Gonzaga community further exploring the connections between art, law, and Jesuit education.

The piece can be viewed during business hours at Gonzaga Law School or as part of Spokane’s First Friday art showcase on the first Friday of each month.