Last year, UMBC announced the Pell Vise grant that would award an artist $10,000 to create a unique piece of art that represents the university’s community. It has finally arrived.

The sculpture, which measures approximately three and a half inches tall and is literally a can of baked beans, has been installed outside of the uphill smoking section as an homage to those students who are too lazy to walk downhill.

This immaculate work has stunned students thus far.

“It’s just so nice to see that something has finally been done to accommodate the smokers. Before, they only had the crushed cigarette butts to look at and though that could be seen as a contemporary meta-type of art, nothing compares to this sculpture,” said Rocket League major and non-smoker Erin Gentleton.

“Honestly, I’m impressed. I didn’t think that UMBC could commission this caliber of art. Like, wow dude,” said iPhone charger repair major and American Spirit smoker Brandon Jarnes.

Artist Eugene Davis spent two years creating this work, waiting for someone to “snatch it up, bro.” Davis said that this is his finest work to date and that he put countless hours into the planning and development of the sculpture. Though, he admits that the actual creation of the piece wasn’t too difficult, as it only entailed going to the corner grocery mart and purchasing their off brand baked beans.

He stresses that this doesn’t tarnish the artistic merit of the work, however. “Even though I didn’t actually create anything, I have given the UMBC community a beautiful gift. Beans are the future!” he said.

The piece, which has already enchanted hundreds of students, has also had some negative feedback from the faculty. Slacklining Professor Warren McDonough thinks the sculpture is silly. “Really, I don’t understand the appeal around it. I hear all of these people praising this custom-made piece for it’s originality, but it’s literally just a can of baked beans. Do people realize this?” said McDonough.

However, McDonough’s colleague and hoola-hooping professor Jennifer Teague disagreed. “I think there’s something really beautiful about the meaning behind a store brand can of baked beans. It’s humble, it’s nostalgic. Frankly, I think every work of art in the world should be modified to include baked beans. They’re the stuff of life,” said Teague.

The piece has also fostered a good amount of student involvement. Multiple clubs have been created surrounding the sculpture. There are the No Bean Babies who actively oppose the work’s placement, as they believe that smokers shouldn’t be glorified or rewarded. The most notable club is a gambling club where members all place bets on when the can of beans will be eaten and who will do the eating.
It doesn’t matter whether the piece was a waste of money or a benefit to the community, it has certainly sparked a dialogue and that’s the important thing to remember here.

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