Louisiana’s newest public art sculpture was unveiled in a dedication ceremony at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) on Oct. 3. “A Path Less Traveled” is an outdoor sculpture done by the Reed Madden Company of California. It is intended to honor pioneering Louisiana naturalist Caroline Dormon.

The piece consists of several bronzed stainless-steel trees with 6,000 needles made from steel. The sculpture is intended to be reminiscent of Louisiana long-leaf pine trees, a conservation interest of Dormon. The trees are placed in a curved path alongside a sidewalk connecting two campus buildings and feature several boulders along the path. The trees are outward facing with an open interior featuring information on Dormon.

The dedication took place during a student assembly in the LSMSA’s Treen Auditorium. LSMSA Director, Dr. Steve Horton, was joined by Scott Finch and April Baham of the Louisiana Division of the Arts. They explained the “Percent for Art” program that funded “A Path Less Traveled.” The program is the result of a law that directs one percent of the cost of construction or renovation of any public building be set aside for public art. Per Ms. Baham, “A Path Less Traveled” was produced at a cost of $260,000.

LSMSA Principal Lecturer of Art Chris King shared a painting of Dormon that is on permanent display at the school.

Dr. Art Williams, a former director of the LSMSA, then spoke about Dormon’s life and legacy. Jeffrey Reed and Jennifer Madden, of the Reed Madden Company, spoke by Zoom from California and answered student questions about the piece and its making.

The dedication concluded with a walk from the Treen Auditorium to the sculpture and a community dinner for the students and guests.