Montana-based sculptor Gareth Curtiss is finishing his live sculpting of a clay model for a 9-foot bronze statue of Joe Vandal, the University of Idaho mascot, in the ISUB rotunda. This project has engaged students and community members over the past week, allowing them to witness the artistic process firsthand. Curtiss indicated that the statue will be cast in bronze in 40 to 50 separate pieces, which will later be welded together to maintain the original design's integrity. In addition to the main statue, a bust of Joe Vandal has also been sculpted. This initiative not only celebrates school spirit but also enhances the campus's artistic landscape.

Once completed, the statue will be prominently displayed near the Kibbie Dome and ICCU Idaho Arena. The final bronze sculpture is expected to be unveiled by Fall 2025, marking a significant addition to the University of Idaho's campus. Curtiss's work exemplifies the intersection of art and community engagement in educational settings.