The Czech sculptor Barbora Vovsová originally created Totem for an exhibit in a city park in Rožnov pod Radhoštěm, in the Moravian-Silesian Beskydy mountains region. Totems are best known as a traditional art of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest Coast of North America, incorporating motifs that symbolize growth, fertility, and abundance. Vovsová explores the structures of materials and living things similarly in her works. 

In the courtyard of Anglo-American University (AAU), Totem is welcomed by the surrounding trees, our community of students from around the world, lecturers and staff, along with children and parents of the kindergarten. It is also presented as a symbol of Trans-Atlantic cooperation, key to AAU as an academic institution with American, European, and Czech accreditations.

Inspired by the Pacific Northwest Indigenous tradition of the potlatch—a ceremonial gathering centered on generosity, community, and shared celebration—the event features a symbolic welcome ceremony created in collaboration with Veronika Bromová and AAU Visual Art Studies students.

The event will be hosted by Tony Ozuna, AAU School of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Senior Lecturer. Refreshments will also be provided by the Café de Taxis. Come celebrate the intersection of contemporary art, nature, and community with fellow students, faculty, and staff as we officially welcome this extraordinary piece to our shared space!