Sept. 29, 2005

Martha Cook welcomes new resident

Artist Jaques and 'Edwina'

ANN ARBOR, Mich.— Among the dozens of "Cookies" residing at the University of Michigan's Martha Cook Residence Hall, one stands out more than the others. She is "Edwina," a life-size sculpture by artist and former Cookie, Edwina Jaques.

With face and hands of 24-karat gold leaf, "Edwina" stands in the hall's foyer, welcoming women from the world to the sisterhood of the all-female residence.

"I envisioned a statue which would represent the diverse nature of a Martha Cook woman," Jaques said. "One who challenges the University world, bringing a modern outlook to education, yet also celebrates the gentle heart of such a woman and recognizes the womanly arts that bind our past and future."

Made of fiberglass and adorned with polymer clay, Italian mosaic glass tiles and semiprecious gems, "Edwina" has an overskirt and headdress of elaborately knotted waxed linen cord. The skirt is constructed to carry ivory and gold-leaf hearts with short messages from Martha Cook alumnae, residents and friends. "Edwina" was recently unveiled at the residence hall's 90th anniversary celebration.

"Edwina Jaques' immense generosity speaks to the spirit of community which is alive and well in women who have called Martha Cook 'home,'" said Marion Scher, building director at Martha Cook.

Jaques completed most of the work on the statue in her studio in England and shipped the work in pieces to Martha Cook, where she has taken up residence once again to assemble and put the finishing touches on the sculpture. The statue was nameless until the Martha Cook Board of Governors declared she should be known as "Edwina."

A native of Saginaw, Mich., who now resides in Kent, England, Jaques holds a BFA and MFA from U-M and a special place in her heart for the University. As a child, she had a heart anomaly requiring surgery. The corrective procedure was completed successfully at U-M. So it was natural for the artist to incorporate hearts into her work for Martha Cook—a work she donated with great pleasure and admiration for the past and future women residents.

Martha Cook Residence Hall: http://www.housing.umich.edu/residencehalls/marthacook/

Contact: Joanne Nesbit
Phone: (734) 647-4418

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