Next time you visit the second-floor mezzanine at the library, you may notice the new artwork here at the library! Created by Evalyn Navarro, class of 2026, In Flight to Greater Things was created in recognition of the 200th anniversary of the Basilian Fathers, the 75th anniversary of the University of St. Thomas, and the 50th anniversary of the Doherty Library. The piece contains 325 folded origami cranes to celebrate the university’s past as well as its future. After the installation, Evalyn sat down with us to explain her inspiration and the symbolism contained in the origami art piece.
Background
Evalyn started folding origami as a kid and was first inspired to use origami as an art form during Hurricane Harvey. “We flooded,” she said, “and I needed something tactile to do with my hands during all of the change.” As a result, she created her first hanging art installation for her middle school, Soaring with Grace and Grit. Fast forward to high school and when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she turned to origami once more to create another art piece. Titled Hope and Healing 2020, the massive hanging art installation was displayed at her high school, and the 1,000 cranes symbolized the teachers, the students, and the staff who came together to persevere through all the challenges of the pandemic.
In Flight to Greater Things
Evalyn’s first inspiration for an art installation at UST began when she toured the UST campus during her college search. “I saw the hanging art installation in Crooker,” Evalyn stated. “And I knew that I wanted to do something for the UST campus once I was a student.” Once accepted, she joined the STEAM lab with Dr. Shivas Amin, who encouraged her to create In Flight to Greater Things and supported her throughout the process.
Taking a little over six months, Evalyn folded most of the 325 origami cranes during any breaks she had from school with each crane taking about two minutes to fold. Origami cranes were chosen to represent longevity, peace, and health, as well as to symbolize the university taking off in pursuit of greater things, UST’s strategic vision through the year 2030. 200 white cranes (representing the bicentennial of the Basilian Fathers) surround 75 red and gold cranes, which represent the 75th anniversary of the University of St. Thomas. In the middle, 4 miniature patterned cranes represent the four values of the university: goodness, discipline, knowledge, and community. Framing the piece on the top and bottom are 50 silver cranes, which represent the 50th anniversary of the library. Evalyn used a bamboo rod, symbolizing durability, sustainability, and good fortune, to anchor the piece along with golden lion heads to celebrate Lenny, UST’s mascot.
The hardest part of the whole process? “Transporting it!” Evalyn stated. Once completed, she bundled up the cranes and anchored them to a tapestry hanger to ensure safe transport to their new home in the library. She even numbered each crane so that if one chose to take flight on its journey, she knew exactly where it belonged within the installation!
Commenting on the art piece, Dean of Libraries Jim Piccininni said that “The symbolism and beauty of this artwork makes this a truly outstanding addition to the Doherty Library. It is with gratitude that we accept this wonderful gift.” In Flight to Greater Things is now available to view whenever the library is open. We invite you to stop by, take a moment to reflect, and if you feel inspired yourself, scan the QR code located near the art piece to learn how to fold and create your own origami cranes.
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