Although students may not notice Iowa State’s many works of art as they trudge across campus on their way to class, the scenery would not be the same without them.

This will become blatantly apparent Friday when black plastic will cover six campus statues in celebration of the Day Without Art, which is in conjunction with World AIDS Day.

The day is a poignant reminder of how essential art is to ISU’s campus.

Iowa State is incredibly fortunate to have beautiful pieces of art that give the university a unique character that few universities equal.

Day Without Art is especially poignant this year because of the September defacement of the Christian Petersen “Ring of Life” statue earlier this year.

The head of a little boy statue was taken off the sculpture, and the head was later found in pieces in a LeBaron Hall garbage can.

To make the vandalism even more tragic, the work of Christian Petersen, Iowa State’s first artist-in residence, is being honored this year.

The shrouding of the sculptures itself will make an impact on the importance of art, but the day also is shedding light on the 13th annual World AIDS Day.

Like those who died from AIDS, the covered statues are symbols of those who are in our lives every day until they are suddenly and tragically taken away.

As you pass by the covered statues Friday, take a moment to really think about art’s effect in your life. It may be bigger than you think.