A team of student artists from Mount St. Joseph University have unveiled a commemorative sculpture celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cincinnati Reds' legendary Big Red Machine.
CINCINNATI — The sculpture is now on display at Great American Ball Park for the Reds’ anniversary weekend festivities.
The sculpture, titled “Victory Column of the Big Red Machine,” was created by students in the Mount’s 2025 Sustainable Sculpture course, taught by renowned Cincinnati sculptor and adjunct faculty member Tom Tsuchiya. The project is the latest in a series of community-engaged artworks from the Mount’s Department of Creative Arts and reflects the University’s commitment to sustainability, experiential learning, and civic impact.
“This is more than an art installation, it’s a visible statement about the power of collaboration, history, and hands-on learning,” said Michaelann Kelley, chair of the Department of Creative Arts. “Having our students’ work displayed at one of the most iconic venues in Cincinnati is an honor.”
Constructed entirely from repurposed material, including scrap cardboard, leftover paint, and a reimagined foam column on a wood pedestal from the BLINK festival. The sculpture centers on a reimagined foam column, once a test piece for the 1869 Red Stockings Memorial. It honors the Reds’ legacy while showcasing how art, history, and sustainability can unite in meaningful ways.
“Partnering with the Mount on this project has been incredibly rewarding,” said Tom Tsuchiya, sculptor and instructor of the Sustainable Sculpture course. “The students brought fresh ideas and a real commitment to honoring the Reds' legacy through sustainable art.”
The concept was born from a guest lecture by Reds Hall of Fame curator and Mount alum Chris Eckes, who presented the opportunity to students. Eckes and Tsuchiya guided students through the research and design process, helping them develop a monument that captured both the championship spirit of the 1975 and 1976 World Series teams and the values of sustainability and community.
“Victory Column of the Big Red Machine” will be on view throughout the Reds’ official anniversary this weekend, June 26–29, which includes a special storytelling event at the Aronoff Center with Marty Brennaman, meet-and-greets with 23 Big Red Machine players, and an on-field celebration prior to the June 27 game against the San Diego Padres.
"This kind of collaboration shows our students that their work can extend far beyond the classroom and into the culture of our city," Kelley said.
Student Artists:
Chloe Babcock
Dahlia Baer
Ellen J. Burke
Mary Anna Coleman
Loraine Delaney
Matthew Hater
Joseph Hibbard
Catie Keefer
Ella Jane Kuhnell
Hunter McNay
Sophia Motz
Quintinn Muddiman
Victoria Orbegozo
Andrew Reynolds
In photo: MSJ student artists working on the sculpture, titled “Victory Column of the Big Red Machine” in the Mount’s 2025 Sustainable Sculpture course.
In photo: People standing next to “Victory Column of the Big Red Machine” sculpture at the Great American Ball Park stadium.
About the Mount
As a Catholic institution rooted in the values of the Sisters of Charity, Mount St. Joseph University excels at serving the common good. Undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students at the Mount are inspired to think beyond the classroom and redraw the bounds of what’s possible for their futures. This is accomplished through individualized educational experiences, a safe, secure campus environment, and an all-in commitment from faculty and staff to inspire students to reach their highest potential. The Mount fosters life-long learners who serve, care, and contribute to the world beyond their front doors.
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