In Memory: Continuum Sculptor Larry Anderson

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine family is saddened to learn of the passing last fall of sculptor Larry Anderson, of Bonney Lake, Wash., who created the iconic “Continuum” sculpture along Harrison Street in front of Lynn Hall.  He was 78. 

Larry Anderson pictured with his wife, Sharilyn at Purdue
Larry Anderson and his wife, Sharilyn, during their visit to Purdue at the time of the installation of Continuum.

Mr. Anderson created the design for Continuum as part of a contest held by the College of Veterinary Medicine in conjunction with the opening of the new addition to Lynn Hall in the mid-1990s.  At the time, he was well known as a Pacific Northwest sculptor who had created a number of beloved works, including one that was installed to mark the 100th anniversary of the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine.  Out of numerous artists who were contacted about the Purdue Veterinary Medicine sculpture contest, Mr. Anderson was one of two finalists, and Continuum was the unanimous favorite.  The work was commissioned and in 2000, it was installed and officially dedicated.  Mr. Anderson and his family joined dozens of Purdue Veterinary Medicine alumni, friends, and special guests for the dedication ceremony. 

Mr. Anderson earned his undergraduate degree in education at Central Washington University before pursuing graduate study in art at the Academy of Fine Art in Vienna, Austria in 1965 and at the University of Washington in 1966. He then completed a Master of Fine Art in painting at the Cranbrook Art Academy in Bloomfield Hills, Mich., in 1968. He worked as an art teacher in Tacoma, Wash., before launching his career as a sculptor.

Larry Anderson pictured supervising the installation of the Continuum sculpture at Purdue
Larry Anderson supervises the Purdue crew that installed Continuum in September 2000.

Mr. Anderson’s first major works were commissioned by the City of Tacoma, which became home to many of his public sculptures, but he also completed several other major works across the U.S.  In addition to Continuum, he sculpted “Springfield’s Lincoln”, an ensemble of statues of Abe and Mary Lincoln and two of their boys in Springfield, Ill. (2004); and “Directions” at the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Museum in Oshkosh, Wis. (1995). His many bronze sculptures, over 70 in all, comprise a stunning legacy of full-size figures and portrait busts.  He also completed numerous paintings and drawings, including both realistic and abstract expressionist works. 

Mr. Anderson passed away October 18 after a long illness.  He is remembered as a caring and passionate artist, with a masterful flair for stunning detail in his sculptures, coupled with an engaging personality with which he quickly won the support and admiration of any and all who had the privilege of being involved with his artwork.  Thankfully, he left a compelling legacy at Purdue in Continuum, which will keep alive the memory of an artist who was all together warm-hearted, humble, and remarkable.

Click here to view a story about his passing that was published in The News Tribune of Tacoma.  Click here to view a complete obituary.

Writer(s): Kevin Doerr | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.

In Memory – Dr. Raymond Backe (PU DVM ’66)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of Dr. Ray Backe, an alumnus who was a member of the college’s fourth graduating class – the Class of 1966. Dr. Backe, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, formerly of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away January 19, 2025. He was 84.

Purdue Veterinary Alumni Meet up in Las Vegas at WVC Annual Conference

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni stood out from the large crowds of veterinary professionals attending the Viticus Group 2025 WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada as they gathered for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reception held in conjunction with the conference. The event Monday evening, March 3, attracted close to 70 alumni who met up at the Rhythm and Rifts lounge located just off the Mandalay Bay casino floor.

Purdue Veterinary Student and Small Animal Surgery Resident Achieve Recognition at Major Specialty Conference

A Purdue second-year veterinary student and a third-year small animal surgery resident helped put the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spotlight at the 52nd Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) this year.

PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Announces Plans to Retire

An esteemed and dedicated Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator, Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, has announced that she will conclude her Purdue career of more than 40 years when she retires effective June 30, 2025. Her decision was shared with the college’s faculty, staff and students by Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, Wednesday (3/12).