SKYCTC and BGMU unveils second of three community art sculptures in downtown Bowling Green

BOWLING GREEN, Ky. (June 4, 2026) – Southcentral Kentucky Community and Technical College (SKYCTC), in partnership with Bowling Green Municipal Utilities (BGMU), unveiled the second in a series of three public sculptures created by SKYCTC faculty, staff, and students on Thursday, June 4, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. The unveiling took place at the corner of Main and Center Streets in downtown Bowling Green.

Recognizing an opportunity to create meaningful public art while providing hands-on learning experiences for students, the two organizations joined forces to bring the project to life.

The first sculpture, unveiled last summer, featured a lightning bolt symbolizing BGMU’s electric services. The newest sculpture represents a water droplet that will signify the water and sewer services provided by BGMU. The third sculpture will highlight the fiber optics services of the utility. The sculpture was designed and fabricated by students and faculty from SKYCTC’s Welding, Computerized Manufacturing and Machining, and Art programs.

Under the leadership of Welding Professor Steve Hatcher, students gained valuable real-world experience in design, metal fabrication, machining, and finishing techniques while contributing to a lasting community landmark.

“BGMU has been an outstanding partner throughout this collaboration—consistently responsive, supportive, and always willing to assist whenever needed,” said Dr. Lisa Hunt, Vice President of Academic Affairs at SKYCTC. “This project has allowed our students to enhance their technical skills while contributing to something they can be proud of for years to come.”

The installations will be permanently displayed around BGMU’s General Office campus in prominent downtown locations, including intersections at Center and Main Streets and Center and 8th Streets near the Federal Courthouse and Bowling Green Ballpark.

“SKYCTC and its Industrial, Arts and Design programs were a perfect match to bring these public sculpture concepts to reality,” said Mark Iverson, General Manager of BGMU. Iverson noted that the vision for the project was sparked by sculpture displayed on SKYCTC’s campus.

The artistic design work was led by David Jones, Professor of Art at SKYCTC, with creative input from BGMU employees. The sculpture’s fabrication was completed by welding students under Hatcher’s supervision. Students in SKYCTC’s Computerized Manufacturing and Machining program, led by Associate Professor Chris Hagan fabricated 1,050 rings, contributing more than 650 man-hours to the project. Each ring was precision machined, featuring a 30-degree angle, creating the three-dimensional appearance of the water drop sculpture. In addition to producing the rings, students also manufactured the decorative caps used to cover the anchor bolts that secure the sculpture to its foundation.

“This project provided students with valuable hands-on experience while showcasing the technical skills, craftsmanship, and attention to detail developed through the CMM Program, said Hagan. “We are proud of the students' dedication and grateful for the opportunity to partner with BGMU on a project that will serve as a lasting symbol for the community."

“This is a great opportunity to give back to the community and to give our students the chance to use their skills to create something they can take pride in,” Hatcher added. “It’s a project that blends education, craftsmanship, and civic pride.”