In an effort to beautify their fraternity, members of Pi Kappa Phi will be dedicating a recently purchased piece of art on their front lawn Saturday.

The dedication will take place at 10:30 a.m. on the corner of Knapp Street and Welch Avenue.

The piece of art, named Rain Catcher #1, is an original sculpture by Matt Lowe of Cedar Rapids. The sculpture measures 6 feet high, 3 feet wide and 5 feet high and is described by the art commission as “capturing the dangers of farm machinery.”

Travis Burke, president of Pi Kappa Phi, said the idea to purchase the sculpture originated from the fraternity’s academic coach, who is involved in the art commission.

The sculpture is intended to draw attention to the fraternity, Burke said.

He said he thought the sculpture would be a good addition to Pi Kappa Phi, especially since no other fraternities have any unique sculptures on their lawns.

Burke said the decision to hold the dedication on Saturday of Homecoming was due to the fact more alumni members of the fraternity would be able to attend.

Kenneth Hook, house adviser of Pi Kappa Phi, said he expects a total of 110 returning alumni. He said it may be the largest group of alumni ever at Pi Kappa Phi, with members from Washington, Arizona and Australia. Hook said the sculpture will help beautify not only the fraternity, but Welch Avenue as well.

Rain Catcher #1 was originally part of the first Ames Main Street District Art Around the Corner Outdoor Sculpture Gallery, a collection of sculptures on temporary loan from their artists.

The show was sponsored by the Ames Public Art Policy and Acquisition Commission in cooperation with The Octagon Center for the Arts and the Ames Main Street District.

A total of five sculptures have been on display in the downtown area of Ames since June. Lowe’s sculpture was previously in front of Michael’s Cyclery on Main Street.

Each piece of the Ames Main Street District Art Around the Corner Outdoor Sculpture Gallery was priced for sale between $1,500 and $6,000. The amount Pi Kappa Phi fraternity paid for Rain Catcher #1 is not known.