Each year on Dec. 1, people are encouraged to observe World AIDS Day by wearing a red ribbon as a symbol of HIV awareness.

At Iowa State, World AIDS Day and A Day Without Art were recognized on campus Wednesday. A Day Without Art is a national day of action and mourning in response to the AIDS crisis. During the day, works of public art are shrouded in order to commorate the lives of those who have died from HIV and AIDS. Students took note of the missing art.

Abbey Wilhelm, junior in art and design, noticed the covered art on her way to class in Morrill Hall. “I walk here everyday and definitely noticed something was missing,” Wilhelm said. “It got my attention and once I realized what was happening, I thought about the cause.”

World AIDS Day is an opportunity for people across the globe to unite in the fight against AIDS and HIV and remember those who have died from the disease. The National Aids Trust declared wearing a red ribbon on World Aids Day is a symbol of HIV awareness. The event was first held in 1988 and was the first globally recognized health day. This year, the theme for World Aids Day is Leading with Science, Uniting for Action.

“Iowa State has the largest university collection of public art. The use of the public art helps create awareness, and helps people realize that the virus touches more than just those with the disease,” said Nancy Girard, program coordinator of ISU Museums and graduate in Interdisciplinary Graduate Studies.

Globally, 33.3 million people have HIV. Between 1981 and 2007, more than 25 million people died from the virus, making it one of the most destructive pandemics in history. With scientific research made to better understand the condition, medical advances have made life easier for those living with AIDS.

On campus, sculptures inside Parks Library, all of the sculptures at the Gerdin Business Building, the Zodiac and Fountain of the Four Seasons at the Memorial Union, Marriage Ring and Joy fountain at MacKay Hall, Tulip at Horticulture Hall, sculptures in the Lagomarcino Hall courtyard and others were covered.

“It’s important to bring awareness and reduce stigmas associated with AIDS,” Girard said.

Since 1989, the project has spread to more than 8,000 national and international museums, galleries, art centers, AIDS Service Organizations, libraries, high schools and colleges.