The Kansas Jayhawk, Peter M. Fillerup

Should all jayhawks look the same? The first Jayhawk image was created in 1912 by Henry Maloy, a student from Eureka, Kansas. Over the years there have been seven different official Jayhawks. Interpretations of the KU mascot have changed over time, often in relation to current events and concerns of the time. This sculpture was created in 1983 by artist Peter Fillerup. Known for sculptures with western themes, the artist said he’d never seen a Jayhawk until he visited campus to do research for the work. This sculpture is different from the jayhawks in front of the Kansas Union and Strong Hall. It’s common for artists to interpret ideas and events in different ways. Viewers who look at works of art can also have varying interpretations. Artworks are multifaceted and can have more than one meaning. What words come to mind when you look this jayhawk? Let us know by pressing 0# now. We’ll post some responses on the Spencer Museum website. Take a walk to see the other sculptures along Jayhawk Blvd and learn more about our jayhawks and other artworks on campus.

When you walk past the Adams Alumni Center, you may notice a bronze sculpture, but not stop to ponder it. The Kansas Jayhawk, crafted by Peter M. Fillerup, was placed on campus in 1983. Peter Fillerup is a fairly well known sculptor, and is most commonly known for his western-themed bronze statues of cowboys. At a young age, he was encouraged to pursue art by his father, a painter. He enjoyed it, and later in life he went to BYU to study art. He continues to make sculptures to this day, and has won numerous awards for his work. The creation of his Jayhawk sculpture was influenced by his visit to KU. There is more to this piece than it seems, as it tells an intriguing story. When you first glance at the 8’6”, 700-pound piece of art for the first time, you might just see a dull bird. But that is not all there is to see in this elegant sculpture. If you look closer, you start to notice that the bird has its head held high and its foot striding forward. It seems to be proud of something, as if it has had a triumphant experience. The Jayhawk’s bold look creates an unexplained mood that makes you feel a sense of pride. The cleated foot striding forward makes it feel as if the hawk is imposing in on you. The bird’s stern demeanor is intimidating and the noble creature has a powerful shine to it as its bronze figure glistens in the sun. The Jayhawk is strategically placed upon a plinth, and this adds to the piece. It makes the statue taller than the viewer, creating an effect that introduces the Jayhawk as a dominant being. With its head tilted up, and a solemn look on his face, the Jayhawk seems to be unaware of your presence. As you may notice, this Jayhawk seems to look different than the current mascot that we see today. This is used to show how much Kansas has changed since its establishment. It is a reference to how different the school and town were back in the day. It gives off a strong vibe that makes you proud to live in Lawrence. When you first see it, you may not think about its historical meaning, just its appearance. But as you look closer and start to think about the sculpture more, you will start to understand its importance. It is not just a Jayhawk, but it is a piece of Kansas, and it brings us back through the decades of history, not just the schools, but the whole state’s. This has been Spencer Hughes with another Bulldog Podcast.

The Kansas Jayhawk, a sculpture by Peter Fillerup, was crafted in 1983, and sits in front of the Kansas University Alumni Center. Peter McNiven Fillerup is an artist born in 1953 in Cody, Wyoming. Fillerup studied art at Brigham Young University and went on to make several sculptures including The Kansas Jayhawk. The craftsmanship on this piece is truly extraordinary. The feathers are finely detailed, so much so, it looks as if it is a genuine feather lathered with bronze. Evidently, a great deal of time went into constructing this piece. The Jayhawk is a widely used symbol throughout Kansas University, and all of Lawrence. You can find a Jayhawk in front of the Kansas University Union, or even in front of banks off campus. So what makes this particular Jayhawk special? Fix your eyes upon its face. As opposed to the other smiling, happy Jayhawks in Lawrence, this one has a firm look upon its face, truly capturing the spirit of Kansas. The strength of a state that had the power to rebuild itself after William Quantrill raided and attempted to destroy the great city of Lawrence. The determination of a state that desperately fought to become a free state fighting off border ruffians and other pro-slavery activists. That is the true spirit of Kansas. As you gaze at the feet of The Kansas Jayhawk, you see him sliding off the plinth upon which he is standing. Although he is sliding, he still is proud, with his head high and his chest puffed. Showing he will always be proud of himself, even when he is sliding. That is what makes this Kansas Jayhawk more special than the others. This has been Henry DeWitt, with another Bulldog Podcast.

The Kansas Jayhawk by Peter M. Fillerup, located in front of the Adam Alumni Center, was commissioned by 1951 alumni John and Virginia Walsh Eulich. Peter Fillerup, created the Kansas Jayhawk in 1983. It stands 4 feet 6 inches tall and is made of bronze. Mr. Fillerup is also known for his art depicted the Wild West. I see a strong resemblance to the 1941 Jayhawk design. I like the way it takes some of the characteristics of the past, but has some modern updates as well. It shows the continuation of tradition. The importance of tradition is emphasized by the statue being placed outside of the Alumni Center. Alumni are the most likely to appreciate the symbolism. Some words that come to mind when I look at this sculpture are proud, brave, and noble. First and foremost, proud. Its head is raised in a proud and confident way. Its fearless pose mimics the brave and fearless attitude of a KU graduate and the noble countenance on the Jayhawk makes one think of the emblem one might see on royal family crest. As a person who has lived in Lawrence all my life, one might expect me to want to go to KU. I would actually like to go to K State for their Veterinary course. Regardless of what college I would want to go to, I would like to develop some of these qualities. On a campus filled with Jayhawk statues, the Kansas Jayhawk holds its own, making it unique. It’s a testament to the fact that something doesn’t have to be big and grandiose to stand out. The subtle appeal of this sculpture will stand the test of time. This has been Alton Viloria with another Bulldog podcast.

There have been seven different official Kansas University mascots throughout history, changing in relation to the current events and mood of the time period. Some have been happy, while others angry, such as the 1941-45 fighting Jayhawk, created by Gene “Yogi” Williams, which symbolized the mood of WWII. Peter M. Fillerup, born in 1953, grew up in Cody, Wyoming spending his summers playing on his family's ranch and was primarily focused on Wild West designs. He didn’t even know what a Jayhawk was until he came to campus to do research for the project. The Kansas Jayhawk by Peter M. Fillerup, unveiled on November 19, 1983, is an imposing and active piece of art; every detail etched deep into its bronze facade makes this majestic bird look as if it is going to step right off its plinth and soar away. Artists have interpreted the Jayhawk in a variety of styles. Examples of this are displayed in front of the Alumni Center and the Kansas Union. The Jayhawk in front of The Union was part of the “Jayhawks on Parade” art exhibit from 2003, along with 29 other Jayhawks that were located around the city. Its smiley and cartoonish appearance starkly juxtaposes that of The Kansas Jayhawk. The Kansas Jayhawk is stalwart and mature standing in front of the Alumni Center with its head held high, its tail feathers jutting out and its chest puffed up. The artist gave the bird these traits for a reason; it was placed in front of the Alumni center to symbolize maturity and adulthood and making a life for yourself. The sculpture appears complete, its feathers etched in, its beak sharp and refined just as the Alumni have honed and refined their skills through experience. The Jayhawk in front of the Union is soft and rounded, its beak is dull. Its feathers aren’t detailed, it is still young just as the students are still young, their book is not yet done being written. This is true for everything. I am about to go into high school and become a freshmen. As a freshmen I will still be the young Jayhawk but when I leave as a senior I will have sharpened my direction in life and become The Kansas Jayhawk. This has been Avery with another bulldog podcast.