5. Students turn art into traditions
At UC San Diego, “Sun God” isn’t just a sculpture — it’s a campus legend. The 14-foot-tall, multicolored bird-like figure, perched on a vine-covered arch, has inspired rituals that carry on to this day. During midterms and finals, students walk or even hop backward through the arch with their eyes closed, hoping for good luck.
Other Stuart Collection pieces have taken on similar cultural weight. Do Ho Suh’s “Fallen Star” is one of the most photographed landmarks on campus. These artworks aren’t only installations; they’ve become touchstones of campus life, woven into student culture in ways their artists may never have imagined.
6. It takes a village to keep the art alive
Commissioning new works is just part of the story. The Stuart Collection team plans events, produces publications, recruits and trains volunteer docents, and oversees the conservation of every piece — making sure they remain vibrant parts of campus life for decades.
Zwerneman says that some bring unusual challenges. Works with water elements, like Kiki Smith’s “Standing” and Michael Asher’s “Untitled” (drinking fountain), have needed extra care. At one point, roots from nearby trees completely clogged the pipes for “Untitled” until a Roto-Rooter crew cleared them out. John Luther Adams’ “The Wind Garden” is monitored remotely by UC San Diego alumnus Jason Ponce, who checks in daily to flag issues before they grow.