A corten steel sculpture by acclaimed artist Karen Petersen, whose other works include the horse sculptures on the West Hartford Town Hall lawn adjacent to Blue Back Square, was dedicated Thursday on the grounds of the University of Hartford.

From left: Walter Harrison, Amy Jaffe Barzach, Jade Solomon, Gia Vasquez, Karen Petersen, Ryleigh Johns, McKenzie Davis, Mims Butterworth, Kate Stoddard, Lucille Nickerson at the dedication of Petersen’s sculpture ‘Maiden Flight’ at the University of Hartford. Photo credit: Iris Photography (submitted)

Submitted by Shannon Mumley, University of Hartford

The University of Hartford community welcomed Hartford College for Women’s “Maiden Flight” sculpture at its Thursday, Sept. 15, dedication.

The corten steel sculpture, created by internationally acclaimed artist Karen Petersen, was relocated from the former HCW campus to the University of Hartford where it is now located between the Administration Building and the Gengras Student Union.

In a meaningful ceremony attended by Petersen; Miriam “Mims” Butterworth, former president of HCW; as well as HCW alumnae, board members, and faculty; students in The Women’s Advancement Initiative’s LEAD program; and members of the University community.

“We celebrate this tangible symbol of HCW. It beautifully reflects the values of both HCW and The Women’s Advancement Initiative, which honors the HCW legacy by advancing the potential of today’s female students,” said University of Hartford President Walter Harrison.