Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

St. John’s University in Queens, NY, is showcasing four sculptures by Vincent Michael Poast, an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Communication Studies at St. John’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. These sculptures are on loan and now adorn the north and south wings of the third floor of St. Augustine Hall, enhancing the university's commitment to art and creativity.

Vincent Michael Poast, known for his innovative steel sculptures, aims to inspire students with his work. "The students in the library, studying or researching for their classes, can look up from their focused concentration and see these sculptures and reflect on art and life," he stated. "They might feel inspired in their academic pursuits and studies and engage in art and esthetic philosophies."

The pieces are crafted from steel with titles that express sentiments through their forms. They join a permanent sculpture named Lux Aeterna previously acquired by the university from Mr. Poast.

One sculpture titled Poetic Dialogue draws inspiration from Ann Radcliffe's novel The Mysteries of Udolpho, reflecting its mysterious themes. Another piece called Wanting symbolizes desire through an l-beam of steel shaped into a linear form.

Caroline Fuchs ’04MLS, University Librarian, Dean of Libraries, and Professor at University Libraries expressed gratitude for this contribution: “We are grateful that Michael has generously loaned four of his magnificent steel sculptures to the University Libraries." She added that it integrates artistic beauty with academic spaces.