Origami Club’s Latest Creation Finds Its Home at HSC Library

For the second year in a row, the SBU Origami Club collaborated with students across campus, the Health Sciences Library and the Campus Beautification Committee (CBC) to create and showcase a dazzling and meaningful work of art on East Campus, in the HSC Library.

Designed by local artist Karen Celella as part of her series representing the four elements of Fire, Water, Earth and Air, this "Water" piece was folded into existence by students all across campus at various Cranes for a Cause events last semester. There are 1,000 folded cranes in all - symbolizing hope, healing, good fortune and peace in Japanese tradition - and already creating joy at its new home.

Said Health Sciences Library Director Jessica Koos,"We are delighted to provide a space for this beautiful work of art. It is a privilege to support the creativity and accomplishments of our students, and Water will undoubtedly be appreciated by all who visit the Health Sciences Library. I look forward to future collaborations with our students."

Head of Health Sciences Library Access and User Services Donna Darling agreed that she was "thrilled to collaborate with the CBC and Origami Club to bring such impressive student-created artwork to the Health Sciences Library."

Darling added, "Water brings a sense of calm and beauty to our library space and I hope it inspires others."

This sentiment fits in perfectly with the artist's intention. "The essence of my work," said Celella, " is to share and expand positive energy."

As outgoing president of the Origami Club, Ian Codner '26 was happy and proud to shepherd this project through to completion and was grateful for all the partnership and support to help it soar: "Thank you to all the clubs and organizations that worked with us, Karen Cellela for the design and flag-making advice, the Health Sciences Library for allowing us to display the piece in your space, and the Campus Beautification Committee for spreading the word and supporting us."

"Every year, the Origami Club partners with the CBC to create something special, and every year I'm amazed by the giving community of students we have," Codner continued. "Many of them reached out and wanted to be part of a larger community, contributing one fold at a time. I hope that every person who folded a crane with us can take pride in knowing that they helped make this piece possible!"

- Ellen Cooke

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Origami Project Finds a Home at HSC Library in Milestone Move to East Campus