Voting commences on new otter statue

By Mark Muckenfuss

This spring, students who want to take a selfie with Cal State Monterey Bay’s mascot, will have another option besides posing next to Monte Ray the friendly and furry giant otter who roams the campus during special events, such as this weekend’s RAFT celebration. 

Plans are moving forward for a sculpture of two otters to be installed near the entrance of the Otter Student Union in time for Commencement next year. Noted, and one-time local, sculptor Edward Eyth will create the dynamic piece that is meant to serve as a focal point, a gathering place and a photo opportunity for students and visitors and to make a lasting impression, connecting the university with the image of its mascot. 

And the campus community is being given a voice in the process. Students, staff, faculty and alumni are being asked to vote on three proposed versions of the sculpture to help decide which one will be made into a six-foot-high bronze statue with a pedestal. 

“People have asked for this for a number of years,” said Vincent Loforti, director of alumni and donor relations and director of the project. 

President Vanya Quiñones asked him to push it forward.

“She’s the one that said, ‘How can we do this?’” Loforti said.  

He contacted several sculptors and found Eyth to be the best fit. The artist even has a strong local connection.

Eyth spent 15 years in Pacific Grove and now lives in Savannah, Georgia where he is a professor at Savannah College of Art and Design. He said he is excited about contributing something he hopes will add to the legacy of CSUMB.

“My intention for the sea otter monument is to create a timeless tribute to the university's beloved mascot, embodying the vibrant spirit and dynamic energy that define CSUMB’s mission and values,” Eyth said. “I enjoy creating sculptures of animals, and see this commission as a precious opportunity to create art that will enrich the campus environment.”

Eyth’s background is in design. He worked for the Hollywood entertainment industry for years, contributing to projects with top-tier directors such as Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, before taking a leap by moving to the Monterey area in 2004 and diving full time into sculpture. 

"I was fortunate," he said, "I was honored with some international awards and recognition for my work within a few years." 

In 2007 his “Olympic Spirit” sculpture was a finalist in the Beijing Olympics Sculpture Design Competition and part of an international touring exhibition conducted by the Beijing Olympic Committee. The following year, his figurative sculpture “Balance” was selected to represent the United States in the 2008 International Olympics Art Competition and one of his pieces was selected for the global art tour connected with the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. 

Locally, he worked as an artist in residence for renowned Carmel-based sculptor Richard MacDonald. 

“I also taught digital art at Monterey Peninsula College and there was a time I considered teaching at CSUMB,” he said.

Taking on a commission for an otter statue seemed a good fit. Eyth said he spent many hours watching the playful animals at the Monterey Bay Aquarium with his two sons when they were growing up. Each of his proposed designs captures the acrobatic nature and fluid movement of the animals.

“The otter sculpture will serve as a unifying symbol of school spirit for those who study and work at the university, as well as those who visit,” he said.

Loforti said the statue will serve as the heartbeat of pride for Cal State Monterey Bay. 

“Most university campuses have an icon, a focal point of reference, imagery, identity and activity,” he said. “It’s time that CSUMB had one as well.” 

Voting can be done online or at a special table on Saturday, Oct. 12, as part of RAFT Weekend. Community members who visit the table will also be invited to vote. They can also check out the history of the campus at an adjacent table that will be marking the celebration of CSUMB’s 30th anniversary.

The campus opened in 1994 on what was formerly Fort Ord Army Base. Visitors to the table will get a sense of the transformation that has taken place as old buildings were renovated or demolished and newer ones were added, creating the vibrant campus CSUMB is today.