Members of the Miami University and wider Oxford communities gathered May 2 to commemorate the addition of Leonardo Drew’s “Number 381” to the university’s Oxford campus. 

This is the renowned artist’s first bronze sculpture intended as permanent outdoor public art. A dedication ceremony unveiling the installation was held between Young and Hillcrest Halls on Miami’s Western campus.

Drew is well known for his indoor installations, though he recently installed temporary outdoor sculptures at Madison Square Park in New York City and the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford, Connecticut.

“I am so thankful for you for joining me on this journey,” Drew said during the ceremony. “I continue to take on challenges and get to realize the next iteration of me, and I just thank you for having that much faith.”

A dedication ceremony for Leonardo Drew's "Number 381" sculpture, located on Miami University's Western Campus in Oxford, was held on May 2. © Leonardo Drew 2023 (Scott Kissell photo)

“Number 381” is the fourth sculpture donated by Miami alumnus Tom Smith ’50. Smith previously served on the Miami University Foundation Board and supports the popular JANUS Forum, which provides a place for members of the community to come together and discuss opposing views freely and passionately.

Smith also donated Mark di Suvero’s “For Kepler,” installed in the Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum’s Sculpture Park; Ursula von Rydingsvard’s “Heart in Hand,” located in Schiewetz Fine Arts Plaza; and Jun Kaneko’s “Capturing the Scent of Rain,” which resides behind Benton Hall in Miami’s North Quad.

“We owe a big debt of gratitude to Tom Smith, Class of ’50, for his extraordinary contributions to his alma mater,” Miami President Gregory Crawford said. “He’s really taught us to think more broadly through the JANUS Forum and also with his art.

“We’re known for all kinds of things at Miami, like the Cradle of Coaches, but we’ve become a campus of sculptures, and that’s all because of you.”

Smith also spoke during the event, which was emceed by John Weigand, interim dean of the College of Creative Arts. Smith praised the landscape architecture on campus.

“Every single structure is so well placed,” Smith said.

Smith’s latest artwork donation resides in a plaza between two residence halls, well within view for any passersby.

Drew is noted for crafting contemplative abstract sculptural works that play upon a tension between chaos and order. His pieces have been included in several public collections, including at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, both in New York, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Los Angeles.

Leonardo Drew's "Number 381" resides between Young and Hillcrest Halls on Miami University's Western campus. © Leonardo Drew 2023 (Scott Kissell photo)

Jack Green, director and chief curator of Miami’s art museum, reflected on Drew’s ability to transform raw materials into sculptures and installations that explore the relationship between chaos and order.

“His work shows that we have to sometimes take things apart to bring them together again in order to reassemble them in new ways,” Green said. “We’re so privileged that Miami University can be a location where Leo Drew can continue to develop.”

Drew later spoke with Miami students during a Contemporary Art Forum talk at the art museum. Tracy Featherstone, professor of Art, led the presentation.

Drew shared more about his career and experiences throughout the session, followed by a Q&A. Drew explained how his work as an artist has evolved over the years, from early work in comic book illustration as a teenager to paintings, prints, indoor sculpture, and now to his first permanent outdoor installation on Miami’s campus. 

“This journey from indoors to outdoors is no joke,” Drew said, just prior to the sculpture’s unveiling. “Heidi McWilliams (of McWilliams Art Advisory) was able to convince me, ‘it’s time.’ And we’re going to find out.”