Butterfield Horse

This exquisite work of art was created specifically for Cañada College. As part of the Chancellor's initiative to bring art on campus, a committee was formed, led by the Art faculty, to seek out and identify a sculpture which would capture the spirit of Cañada College. We sought a work with the highest qualities of artistic merit, which would express universal and eternal values as a source of inspiration for students, faculty, staff, and community.
We were particularly looking for something which would take advantage of Cañada's beautiful wooded setting, while reflecting our committment to excellence.

After much research and diligent work, we found the perfect artist: Deborah Butterfield. The helpful staff at the Cantor Center for the Arts at Stanford put us in touch with Deborah's representative, Paule Anglim. Fortuitously, the Paule Anglim Gallery was preparing a Butterfield exhibition, so we were able to begin negotiations with the artist as she was working on her maquettes. She was delighted with the prospect of her work being on a college campus, particularly one whose setting of oaks and olive trees so perfectly suited her work. Placement if front of the Library/Learning Center, where a great work of art gets everyone thinking, was a plus.

Deborah sent us photographs of a proposed piece for Cañada, still in wood, and it was beautiful. We introduced it to all aspects of our college community, and the response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic. We then proposed the choice to the District Board of Tustees, who thoughtfully considered all aspects of the purchase, and voted to approve it for our campus.

Since then, the work has been cast in bronze at the Walla Walla Foundry in Washington, delivered and installed on our campus. The power, energy and grace of this remarkable work of art inspires us to be proud of our legacy, and optimistic about our future. We invite everyone to join us in welcoming and enjoying this new member of our community.