40-Year Love Story

The Love Jack can be found in the courtyard of the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building.

It’s been more than 40 years since Jack arrived on campus, and during his stay he’s become a campus icon. Affectionately known as the Love Jack by generations of UT Dallas students, the 10-foot-by-10-foot red, steel sculpture was created by Texas artist Jim Love and was gifted to UT Dallas in 1976.

Love Jack at its original location between the Jonsson Center, Green Hall and the University Theatre.

The Artist

Love’s first sculptures consisted of items found anywhere, from beaches to junkyards. He later became a master welder and focused on crafting artwork from steel. His pieces have been featured in several museums in the United States and throughout his adopted hometown of Houston. (By the way, Jack has a 5-foot-by-5-foot sibling — also named Jack — that is displayed at Rice University.)

Love Jack at its current location.

Where Art Thou, Jack?

Love Jack stood for years between the University Theatre and the Erik Jonsson Academic Center. The sculpture now has a new home in an open courtyard of the Edith O’Donnell Arts and Technology Building, as well as a fresh coat of red paint.

News article about the art exhibition that brought Love Jack to campus.

Here to Stay

Jack arrived at the University as part of a contemporary art exhibit in 1976 and was eventually gifted to UT Dallas.

–Paul Bottoni