MISSOULA – Rudy Autio, the famed sculptor who crafted the 91´ÎÔª’s signature Grizzly Bear statue, created other art pieces for campus. One of those, “Signal,” was damaged by the elements and removed.
Now UM’s Montana Museum of Art and Culture announces that “Signal” is coming home.
After a six-year effort, the sculpture has been reborn in the format originally intended by the artist. “Signal” will be located on museum grounds along the Memorial Row and Athletic Plaza on the north end of campus.
A reception and unveiling ceremony for the sculpture is planned for Autio’s birthday on Wednesday, Oct. 8. Events will run from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the museum’s south lawn.
A former chair of UM’s School of Visual and Media Arts, the late Autio (1926-2007) was among the nation’s leading modernist artists and ceramicists. He started the University’s ceramics program in 1957, drawing students from all over the country and creating a large body of work in metal, vessels, murals, tiles and paintings during his 28 years on campus. He created “Signal” for UM in 1966.
Representing Autio’s interest in the Japanese Mingei tradition, “Signal” was the sculpture most closely aligned with his artistic vision, said MMAC Director Rafael Chacón.
“‘Signal’ is a unique architectonic work about the principles of balance and harmony stemming from Autio’s study of Japanese architecture and animism, which considers the elements themselves as spiritual forces,” Chacón said. “I see temple and gateway architecture in Rudy’s design, fitting for the entry to the museum. We are pleased that a new generation will grow up appreciating his important public art legacy.”
Originally constructed from concrete, iron rebar and ceramics, “Signal” was retired because it had deteriorated from exposure to the elements and relocations on the campus. It formerly stood between the Fine Arts and Music Buildings, and then it was moved adjacent to Miller Hall on Arthur Avenue. (A similar work built by Autio for Montana State University in Bozeman, his alma mater, was destroyed years ago.)
Hugh Warford, Autio’s co-collaborator in Missoula, repaired “Signal” in 1974 and in 1998. By 2019 it was deemed too damaged to be kept on view and was subsequently removed from its location in front of Miller Hall in 2024.
In 2019 a group of volunteers and museum staff decided to build a new one in steel, Autio's original intent, for the grounds of UM’s new museum building. The Autio family, friends of the artist and MMAC partnered to raise over $70,000 to rebuild it.
The new version was designed using Autio’s maquettes in the family and museum’s possession, as well as new measurements and photographs taken before the original work’s removal. UM alumnus Nick Chaussee of DCF Manufacturing fabricated the COR-TEN steel sculpture, and Warford recreated the ceramic elements.
“Generous donors in 2023 made it possible to put this new piece together to commemorate Rudy’s long service at the University,” said Lisa Autio, who spearheaded the effort to restore her father’s work. “The family is very proud that the MMAC chose this prime spot to acknowledge his importance to the University’s history and the arts.”
For more information about these exhibitions and programming, contact Tracy Hall at tracy.hall@mso.umt.edu or call 406-243-2019.
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Contact: H. Rafael Chacón, director, UM Montana Museum of Art and Culture, 406-243-2019, hrafael.chacon@umontana.edu.