View the Human Event Timeline Though The Ancient Art of Stained Glass

Before installation, Tom Holdman poses next to a 6-panel piece of Roots of Knowledge.

To celebrate its 75th anniversary in 2016, the largest university in Utah, UVU unveiled an impressive public artwork of phenomenal proportions: The Roots of Knowledge.  This large-scale and vivid permanent exhibit entails the ancient story-telling art form of stained-glass windows, in a secular, modern setting.

The inspiration behind Roots of Knowledge is Utah artist, Tom Holdman. Tom along with UVU President Matt Holland worked together on the planning and creative process, and the team of artists at Holdman Studios along with other artists created this masterpiece. 

Tom Holdman (right) poses with President Matt Holland at the unveiling of Roots of Knowledge.

A combination of public space, art and education, Roots of Knowledge begins at the birth of humanity and finishes with our present day. This series of glass art chronicles mankind’s quest for intellectual increase and growth. Some of world history events clearly shown on the stained-glass include people like Benjamin Franklin, Harriet Tubman and Joan of Arc; and key global events such as the American Civil Rights Movement, the Depression and the Berlin Wall.

During the creation process: cut glass pieces, like puzzle pieces, are placed inside the led outlines.

Years of meticulous research on world events and individuals that influenced mankind are incorporated into the details of each window. Starting with a true-to-life rendering of the oldest living tree, the story branches from its roots chronologically, intertwining like the threads of a DNA chain through all 80 panels.

One purpose of Roots of Knowledge is to encourage an engaged learning style that is promoted at UVU. Elements of every window panel were backed by a university scholar committee, which encompassed a group of professors committed to supplying the artists with well-rounded points of view and historically accurate information.