The sculptures of Christian Petersen are scattered all around campus, and the story behind them will be revealed in a free performance Sunday at the Brunnier Art Museum.

The one-person play, which will begin at 2 p.m., is called “Christian Petersen, Gentle Sculptor” and will be performed by Iowan actor Tom Milligan.

Milligan said he tried to find the core of Petersen when creating his character for the performance. Milligan said he believes this to be a “deep burning desire just to be a sculpture.”

After examining Petersen’s works, Milligan said he was impressed by the depth of emotion expressed in material as simple as plaster and clay.

“Here was a guy who really looked into the soul of people,” Milligan said.

The play, which follows the stages of Petersen’s life, is inspired by his “Fountain of the Four Seasons” sculpture at the Memorial Union. The fountain has four Native American women, one for each season.

Dana Michels, curator at the Brunnier, said the play will divide Petersen’s life in a similar way; spring will correspond with his youth, summer his young adulthood, fall his middle age and winter his old age.

Michels said the play will be “edutainment – education but entertainment as well. You don’t feel like you’re learning; you can just enjoy it.”

Michels and the Brunnier staff are responsible for the play’s existence, having commissioned its creation by playwright Cynthia Mercati and its performance by Tom Milligan.

“We gave them books, and our favorite quotes, and they came back three months later with this wonderful play,” Michels said.

Christian Petersen was the first artist in residence of all the universities in the nation, said Rachel Hampton, communications specialist with the University Museums.

“He was a very important part of the history here at Iowa State in terms of the aesthetic growth of this campus,” Hampton said. She called the play “funny and historical.”

The term “Gentle Sculptor” in the play’s title can be explained by Petersen’s style, Hampton said.

“When you look at the handling of his lines, the way he manipulated his limestone, it’s very smooth,” she said. “He just seemed to have a gentle touch.”

Michels said the play was performed twice last year, and the second show’s attendance was so great they had to move the production into a large auditorium. The 60 people who saw it the first time brought their friends, until 180 people were present for the second.

“A lot of people see his work around campus but don’t know much about his life,” Michels said.