Of Earth and Sky by Karen Yank at University of Northern Colorado, College of Osteopathic Medicine, photo by Steve Elkins
Of Earth and Sky created by sculptor Karen Yank celebrates both human potential and collective healing leaving a lasting visual legacy for the University of Northern Colorado, the College of Osteopathic Medicine, and the communities it serves.
The University of Northern Colorado’s new College of Osteopathic Medicine’s commitment to holistic health, community wellbeing, and education aligned with sculptor Karen Yank’s approach to public art as a conduit for both reflection and inspiration. Drawn to the site’s mission of care and learning, Yank’s sculpture reflects these values through form, rhythm, and material—inviting viewers into a space that feels both grounded and expansive. The artwork integrates organic abstraction and symbolic gesture, allowing this sculpture to resonate emotionally and conceptually with its environment. Using durable materials such as Cor-ten and stainless steel, the work responds sensitively to its surroundings while remaining long-lasting with low-maintenance. This sculpture offers a rich and varied tactile experience through contrasting surface textures and tones, while appearing virtually unchanged over time. Inspired by the vision of the college to create an “outdoor gallery” Yank’s sculptural design activates the site and welcomes both students and the greater community.
Of Earth and Sky by Karen Yank at University of Northern Colorado, College of Osteopathic Medicine, photo by Steve Elkins
With over 60 public art commissions to date, Karen Yank’s practice centers on transforming complex narratives—both historical and contemporary—into sculptural forms that create connection, contemplation, and a sense of place.
New Mexico Inspired by Karen Yank at the I-40/Coors Interchange in Albuquerque, New Mexico, photo by Robert Reck
Yank adopted the circle—a shape that mimics the curve where the earth meets the sky—as her organic signature form, representing an eternal symbol of nature juxtapose with industrial metal materials. By welding together shapes inspired by the earth and sky using fire, Yank constructs monumental environmental statement that merge natural symbolism with man-made strength. The metals used, drawn from the depths of the Earth, serve as vessels for expressing both personal and ecological memories. Yank allows some steel to oxidize while letting other surfaces glimmer, suggesting an alchemical transformation that reflects not only the evolution of material but also the potential for our collective consciousness to grow and improve over time.
Left: Where the Earth Meets the Sky, Karen Yank, Albuquerque International Airport, photo by Steve Elkins Right: New Mexico Inspired, Karen Yank, I-40/Coors interchange in Albuquerque, New Mexico, photo by Robert Reck
The circular forms and intersecting lines that recur in this work evoke a beauty found in the organic and have deep historical resonance—circles referencing the sun, moon, earth, life cycles, time, and repetition. For Yank, the circle embodies unity, while the “X” symbolizes transition—crossing, joining, intersecting, or marking a moment in time and space—together emblematic of the artist’s deep affection for the world.
Karen Yank will be speaking about her work at the Turner Carroll Gallery at 725 Canyon Road in Santa Fe Sept. 29th at 3:30pm for CODAsummit Attendees as part of the CODAworx Public Art Tours.
For more on Karen Yank’s work visit:
Sense of Place by Karen Yank Carson City, Nevada, photo by Steve Elkins
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