But on Thursday night, they were given a new opportunity. The Historical Society of Greater Lansing sponsored a program featuring Leonard Jungwirth, the statue’s sculptor.
The artist and professor, whose work can be seen throughout the Lansing area, created one of the most iconic landmarks on campus in 1945.
Jungwirth died in 1963 of a heart-attack.
“He really made me feel like I could be an artist,” Okemos resident Susan Brewster said of the artist, who was her first art teacher for sculpture.
The nine-foot, two-inch tall Sparty has come to represent MSU on a national level, reaching fans young and old. Nine-year-old Kaitlynn Corrie attended the event and said she has taken a photo with Sparty before.
“I love Sparty,” Corrie said.
The Historical Society invited citizens to visit the Lansing City Hall to learn about the history of the works of art and take selfies with a miniature Sparty statue, a 14-inch tall bronze statue crafted by Jungwirth in 1945.
Historical Society member Jo Trumble said The Spartan represents something that has been a part of her life for many years.
“I’m a diehard,” Trumble said. “My parents met at MSU. My brothers and I went to MSU. We’ve loved green since we were little.”
The night featured many works including a black madonna crafted by Jungwirth, a graphic rendition of a 1930s Spartan and one of 2,000 limited edition replicas of The Spartan being sold.
The original terracotta statue was moved into the lobby of the Spartan Stadium when it began to disintegrate. It was replaced by the current metal statue outside.
Association President Valerie Marvin said it’s important to learn the story behind the statue.
“We don’t think of East Lansing as a thriving art community,” Marvin said. ”(This event) is a fun way to combine history and technology.”
During the event, guests watched a 3-D printer creating a replica of The Spartan, which will be donated to the MSU Museum.
