People helping each other overcome an obstacle is a theme of the new sculpture installed Wednesday on the bluff outside Capital Region Medical Center.
CRMC is enhancing its campus to foster a welcoming environment for patients and visitors, said Lindsay Huhman, the Jefferson City hospital's director of marketing and public relations.
Wednesday's installation was the first phase of the project, she said.
"The addition of this sculpture, which shows the importance of assisting one another with a helping hand, not only provides a thought-provoking, interesting piece of art, but will also beautify the area," Huhman said.
Nichols Career Center students fabricated the stainless steel figures using materials provided by the hospital. They have been in fabrication for about six months.
The sculpture consists of eight silhouettes and is made of stainless steel plate, with bracing added for strength. The heaviest sections of the piece weigh nearly 800 pounds. The tallest piece is 12 feet tall.
The piece is attached to the bluff using threaded stainless steel rock anchors, which are drilled into the bluff, then grouted in. Sections of the piece are then bolted on using hidden fasteners.
The entire work will eventually be back-lit.
CRMC Art Committee members Lucia Kinchloe and Joyce Nuenswander designed the sculpture.
The hospital is also paying the installation costs.