In 2014, Johnson & Wales University (JWU) commemorated its centennial with the unveiling of The Wildcat Way, a commanding 12-foot-long bronze mascot sculpture that anchors the Providence campus. This monumental wildcat statue was designed to reflect the university’s core values—pride, courage, character, and community—while serving as a high-impact visual centerpiece in the university’s public art collection.
Created by renowned sculptor Mike Fields, the sculpture rests atop a 22-ton granite pedestal, bringing the total installation to nearly 50,000 pounds. Its poised stance, realistic anatomy, and dynamic expression capture the spirit of the wildcat and symbolize the tenacity, athletic excellence, and identity that JWU instills in its students.
The Wildcat sculpture was conceived not just as a mascot, but as a landmark monument for JWU’s Providence campus—a strategy that has since expanded to include identical sculptures at JWU’s North Miami, Denver, and Charlotte campuses. This unified mascot monument program reinforces brand cohesion across campuses while inviting interaction and photo engagement from students, alumni, and visitors.
As both a university mascot statue and a work of architectural-scale public art, the piece strengthens the campus identity while acting as a rallying symbol for school spirit, athletics, and alumni pride.
The creation of this custom wildcat mascot sculpture involved a highly detailed process that blended classical sculptural technique with state-of-the-art tools like digital sculpting, CNC machining, and 3D printing. Mike Fields dedicated over a month to refining the wildcat’s head alone, demonstrating the obsessive attention to realism and presence that defines his large-scale commissions.
The granite base, weighing over 20 tons, anchors the sculpture securely while integrating it into the broader campus design. The layout encourages up-close engagement, transforming the area into a hub of activity and tradition.
Since its installation, The Wildcat Way has become a beloved fixture at JWU. It serves as a popular gathering point, a frequent photo backdrop for graduates and fans, and a symbol of institutional values and athletic pride. Its success underscores how monumental mascot sculptures can elevate a campus, drive community engagement, and leave a lasting impression for generations.
At Mike Fields Sculptures, we specialize in custom, large-scale mascot monuments designed for:
Universities and colleges
Professional sports teams (NFL, MLB, NBA, MLS)
Stadiums, arenas, and athletic training centers
Civic spaces and high-profile developments
Whether your goal is to commemorate a historic milestone, define the entrance to a sports stadium, or enhance a university’s public art collection, we deliver iconic bronze and composite sculptures that embody brand, spirit, and story.
Our collaborative approach ensures that every sculpture reflects your institution’s identity while serving as a magnet for community pride and engagement. To explore what’s possible or discuss your vision for a custom stadium mascot sculpture, contact us to start the conversation.
At Mike Fields Sculptures, we’re proud to help institutions and sports organizations express their identity through iconic, large-scale sculpture. If you’re inspired by the Wildcat Way monument at Johnson & Wales University, explore these other notable commissions and proposals:
Discover how Washington State University’s Cougar Pride sculpture became a landmark on campus and a central feature at Martin Stadium. Also find out how replica sculptures can amplify the impact of mascot monuments, offering institutions new avenues for donor recognition, alumni engagement, and fundraising.
View Cougar Pride Monument
Learn about our Buffalo Bills Bison Monument Proposal, a bold vision for professional sports branding through monumental public art.
Explore Buffalo Bills Proposal
See the Panther Monument at High Point University, a powerful symbol of school pride and unity installed prominently on campus.
View HPU Panther Monument Proposal
Each of these projects reflects a deep collaboration with universities and professional teams, ensuring the final sculpture embodies the values, spirit, and legacy of each institution. If you’re looking to elevate your campus or stadium with a meaningful work of art, we’re ready to bring your vision to life.
“Wildcat” monumental mascot sculpture was commissioned by Johnson & Wales University for their 100th anniversary. JWU successfully raised all funds through donations.
There are 4 placed at each of the school’s locations across the country: Denver, Providence, Charlotte and Miami.
Phone: 1 (509) 951.8713 mike@mikefieldsbronzes.com
12' High
Bronze, Deluxe Patina & Granite
Undisclosed
All sculpture designs are copyrighted. Maximum damages will be sought for each infringement.
Curious how a 12-foot bronze wildcat monument comes to life? Dive into the full creative process behind the Wildcat Way sculpture—from initial design concepts and anatomical studies to clay modeling, digital sculpting, casting, and final installation. This behind-the-scenes look reveals the artistry, engineering, and craftsmanship that go into every Mike Fields mascot monument.
