Artist Claudia Everts Goldman, ’77, Forges a Lifetime of Memories for Homecoming 2007

When Claudia Everts Goldman, ’77, took her first art class as a St. Edward’s University undergraduate, she probably didn’t envision that she would one day be asked by the university to create a sculpture for Homecoming 2007. “Actually, I wasn’t all that good during my early days as an artist. But, my teachers were very patient, fully supporting my desire to learn and grow,” Goldman recalls.

Thanks, in part, to that early support, Goldman later flourished in her field. After spending many years working as a graphic artist, she was invited to teach at St. Edward’s — an experience Goldman describes as “a great adventure since I also learned a lot teaching for nine years as an adjunct instructor.”

The Ultimate in Recycling

Today, Goldman works primarily with metal, creating artwork with discarded scrap metals, as well as other pieces that lend themselves to sculpture. “I try to find the beauty in other people’s trash,” she notes. “It is the ultimate in recycling.”

Goldman was honored when St. Edward’s approached her to create a “Memory Tree” to commemorate Sorin Oak for Homecoming 2007. After viewing several photographs of the sturdy oak taken over the years, she chose steel for her material. “I focused on the trunk of the tree, which to me, represents the strength and history of St. Edward’s.”

Ironically, the greatest challenge Goldman encountered wasn’t the creation of her art but the wintry weather that hit Central Texas during the middle of January. An ice storm paralyzed the city, and it was several days before she was able to get to her studio.

Adding balance to the sculpture, Goldman juxtaposed the sturdy trunk with long outreaching limbs, a symbol of the university’s continued growth over the years. Finally, she spaced the leaves of the tree in a pattern that would accommodate the placement of memories, which were added to the tree during Homecoming Weekend. Today, the Memory Tree is on display in Main Building for alumni, students, faculty and staff members, and visitors.

“Among the many things that tie alumni to St. Edward’s are all the fond memories they have of the university and their time here,” notes Director of Alumni and Parent Programs Kippi Griffith, MBA ’01. “Claudia gave us a way to honor those memories artistically. It’s a beautiful and lasting gift for the entire
university community.”

An Artist’s View of Campus

While Goldman sometimes can’t believe how much the campus has grown since she was a student, she considers the changes positive. “I actually find it more inviting to spend time on campus today — it’s clearly keeping up with the current needs of college students.”

© Copyright 2007, St. Edward’s University