Beyond the Sculptures

Passing it Along

Emily Baffa

Oct 27, 2022

“Virtually everything we are has been taught or provided for us by others. Perhaps our own significance can be measured by what we pass along,” Donors Phil and Barb Kuhl said.

“Passing it Along,” a bronze figure sculpture made by Dee Clements, can be found in a small garden area outside the Performing Arts Center (PAC) at the Illinois Central College (ICC) East Peoria campus.

Dee Clements, a Colorado resident, was delighted to capture the essence of the human spirit within sculptures from the moment he formed his first abstract image of clay. Along with the sculpture at ICC, there are three other Passing it Along sculptures; one sculpture is located in his town and two other life-size sculptures can be found in Palm Desert, CA. Phil and Barb Kuhl of Morton, IL. donated the sculpture to ICC. 

The bronze sculpture depicts a simple scene of an aging man with scuffed boots teaching a young boy how to play the banjo. His rough hands tenderly guide the boy’s fingers on the strings “Life is a gift,” the dedication by the Kuhls reads. Abigail Lee, a full-time student at ICC, commented on the insightful inscription. 

“It reminds me how much I rely on others for my needs and education. This definitely puts into perspective how grateful we should be for those who came before us, and also gives me a greater desire to live my life for the betterment of others,” Lee said.

Lee urges students on campus to check out the sculpture, reflect on the inspiring tribute, and express gratitude for the tutors, teachers, and mentors surrounding them. We have all been shaped by the professors of daily life.