West Shore Community College proudly showcases three sculptures by artist Les Scruggs and was recently honored by a visit from the artist, who viewed the placement of his work on campus.
The centerpiece of the collection, Cantilevered, was purchased in 2021 by the Student Senate as a legacy project. Made of solid cherry and extending from a metal stand, this sculpture anchors the trio displayed outside the John M. Eaton Board Room in the Administrative and Conference Center building.
Inside Outside, crafted from solid walnut, draws inspiration from Euclidean geometry and explores the spatial relationships within closed figures. “This was the most technically challenging piece I have ever created,” Scruggs remarked.
Born in 1941 and raised on Chicago’s south side, Scruggs began woodworking in grammar school, transitioning over time from furniture making to sculpture. He created his first sculpture in 1959, later studying at Northwestern University and the Art Institute of Chicago, where he focused primarily on figurative work.
During his time teaching industrial arts in Belize, Scruggs was inspired by local craftsmen who built mahogany sailboats. This experience influenced his artistic direction, prompting him to return to Chicago as a sculptor focused on using wood to explore forms beyond traditional straight lines. Scruggs has since taught sculpture at both high school and college levels and, in the 1990s, opened ARTDECK, an indoor/outdoor gallery in Manistee.
The third piece in the collection, inspired by the Möbius strip, is crafted from elm and creates the illusion of multiple loops. “I’m pleased to have my work in a public space for many to enjoy,” Scruggs said. “Seeing these three pieces together on the college campus is wonderful.”
“Les’ abstract 3D works are an excellent addition to the WSCC collection,” said WSCC curator and Professor of Art Eden Ünlüata-Foley. “Les is one of the many great artists from our area, following the path Manierre Dawson and Leslie Laskey blazed before him. The college holds many works of both artists and we are beyond delighted to have Les Scruggs works added to our collection too.”
To view the pieces, one may visit the Administrative and Conference Center building on the college’s main campus, Mon. – Fri., 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.