Local Indian artist Robert Freeman will be creating an abstract art piece at the corner of Campus View Drive and Craven Road, beginning next week.

“We are excited to have Mr. Freeman working on location so that visitors and the campus community will be able to see the creative process in action,” says President Karen S. Haynes. The artist expects to have his art piece completed within three to four weeks.
 
Freeman approached the university about bringing a public art display to the campus at no cost. His time and talent are being provided through an anonymous external party.
 
Last year, the university commissioned Freeman to create the sculpture, known as Tukwut, the Luiseño name for cougar. Once the sculpture is cast in bronze, it will be permanently installed in Tukwut Courtyard.

Freeman was born on the Rincon Indian Reservation in 1939. He is a self-taught artist and began painting in 1961. He has won numerous National Indian Art Awards in oil painting, watercolor, pen and ink, and sculpture.