‘Centenary Spirit’ sculpture unveiled to honor college’s bicentennial
Honoring its bicentennial last night, Centenary College of Louisiana unveiled a new, towering sculpture, entitled “Centenary Spirit.” Seven strands of aluminum soar to twenty feet in height, representing Plato’s seven traditional liberal arts: Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric, Arithmetic, Astronomy, Music, and Geometry. The sculpture channels the symbolic spiritual flame of the United Methodist Church and can also be interpreted as a blossom, representing students’ growth toward independence as they find their own paths.
The sculpture was designed by alumnus Bruce Allen, class of ’75, professor emeritus, and nationally known artist. The Centenary Women’s Endowment Quorum (WEQ) and the Centenary Muses were major contributors to funding the commissioned piece.
“It is certainly a high point of Centenary’s bicentennial celebration,” said Dr. Christopher Holoman, Centenary College’s thirty-first president. “Professor Allen’s exquisite talent is already on display across campus and Shreveport, and this magnificent addition will surely become a signature for Centenary’s campus.”
The unveiling of the new sculpture coincided with, and was the final highlight of, Centenary’s Art Stroll celebration on the evening of Thursday, April 3, 2025, which recognized the contributions of both the visual and performing arts. “Centenary Spirit” now stands in the heart of Centenary, surrounded by the Anderson Choral Building, Bynum Commons, Hamilton Hall, and the Magale Library. It is one of the busiest areas of the campus, frequented by students, faculty, staff, and visitors who all will be able to see and enjoy it daily.