Hundreds of students will be running toward Josef Kristofoletti’s just-completed mural, but they may never get there.
Last week, the College of Fine Arts graduate student completed “Sneaker Mountain,” a 24-by-nine-foot painting of a pile of sneakers that now hangs by the third-floor running track of the Boston University Fitness and Recreation Center.
Along with $290,000 worth of new equipment and the mural, FitRec has also displayed a new stationary bike that generates energy. The gym is also considering adding a massage service.
Kristofoletti said he proposed the idea for the mural because he knew officials had expressed interest in placing a piece of art in the blank space next to the track.
“I was surprised to find [FitRec staff] very receptive to the idea,” Kristofoletti said. “Once I sat down with them and made a professional presentation, they thought it would be a nice addition.
“One of the aspects of public art is dealing with the institution and all the people that have to get involved, because [FitRec] is a very public space,” he continued. “People are not always receptive to it, but I think that most people will like this piece.”
The energy bike, donated by geography and environment associate professor Nathan Phillips, is connected to a generator and conducts electricity when peddled. It is on display and not yet ready for use.
“When the bike is up and running, we can determine how to start allowing people to use it,” said BU spokesman Colin Riley. “It is an example of how to have a workout experience that is both fun and educational.”
College of General Studies sophomore Ashley McKeone said she wants to see the bike in action.
“I hope that we might be able to try and ride it soon,” she said.
The massage service is unconfirmed but is being discussed.
“There aren’t any massage services right now, but that is one of the services we are looking at,” Riley said.
Some students may not be able to enjoy the additions to FitRec if they have not yet signed their FitRec Usage Agreement on the Student Link website. Yesterday was the deadline for students to sign the agreement, and students who have not may lose access to the four-story gym.
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