Ferris State University Welding Engineering Technology students are assisting with the fabrication of “Deer Moon,” a free-standing relief sculpture designed by emeriti professor of Fine Arts Robert Barnum, which is destined for a park and preserve entrance in Denton, Texas.
Barnum has works in various media on display in 11 states. His other Texas project was installed in 2019 at an animal rescue facility in Wylie. The development of “Deer Moon” is somewhere near the halfway point.

“The work becomes more pronounced as we continue in the process of fabrication,” Barnum said. “Getting underway as the big blast of snow came in January complicated our schedule somewhat, but we should have a 14-foot-tall sculpture ready for transport near the end of March.” 

Barnum said this will be his first free-standing relief sculpture project. 

“I have been careful to avoid repeating myself in designing these creations,” Robert said. “This is my first relief sculpture that would not be bolted onto the side of a structure, and I am entering what is very much new ground in terms of a project’s visual nature and use of natural light. I am glad Deer Moon will be a unique and different piece when it is completed.” 

Sophomore Richard Ringl of Detroit has been actively involved in assembly of “Deer Moon,” as a function of his laboratory work. Some of the elements were created in Barnum’s studio in central Mecosta County and sections of half-inch aluminum sheeting have also been cut in the university’s Swan Annex. 

“My classmates use lab time for developing projects they selected, but I asked my instructor to suggest an opportunity so I could meet my requirements,” Ringl said. “I thought I would be involved in a more industrial assignment, but I am having a wildly different experience. I expect to be involved through assembly of the sculpture’s components and their being affixed to a base.” 

A Welding Engineering Technology student is likely to accompany Barnum for the installation of this work, which is due to occur about the time of Ferris’ mid-term recess. 

“It will certainly require use of heavy equipment to put this in place,” Barnum said. “There will be differing sight lines for park visitors to take in, as there is a large tree as part of this work that will impact what passersby see as they enter and exit there. This is a rather large display, standing about 15 feet with its pedestal once we complete installation.”  

Assistant professor for Welding programs and Ferris alumnus Mark Prosser said taking part in the creation of Barnum’s work is a good learning experience for Ring and other Welding Engineering Technology students. 

“As educators, there are components to learning we bring forward to students, involving theory and the application of those ideas,” Prosser said. “Commonplace approaches for a typical welding job do not work every time in this type of project, so we must examine several ways to try and meet the necessary goal. It teaches students how to handle obstacles with confidence and broaden their understanding.” 

Barnum said Deer Moon is designed to welcome guests to this natural area and provoke their thoughts and imaginations for decades. 

“This has been developed to sway with the strong winds that can whip up on the plains in that area,” Barnum said. “We expect our planning in the steps leading up to installing our work will be sufficient to provide visitors an intriguing and welcoming sight for the next 50 years and beyond.”