Ms. Mondale Inspects Covenant

by Elaine Song
DAILY PENNSYLVANIAN November 16, 1979, p.1

In a Fairmount Park trolley, accompanied by six police cars, Joan Mondale, the wife of Vice-President Walter Mondale, arrived on campus yesterday morning to see "Covenant," the 40-foot red sculpture located at Superblock. It was her first stop on a full- day tour of selected works of the city's public sculpture.

Although the sculpture, designed by Alexander Liberman and build in 1974, is described by most students as "stupid," "ugly," and even "horrendous," Mondale reacted differently.

"I like it. I think it's very powerful. You're very lucky to have it," she said.

The tour was given by Institute of Contemporary Art Director Janet Kardon, who also arranged the trip at Mondale's request. "She's very knowledgeable about contemporary art, almost as much as any professional would be," Kardon said.

Also touring the city's sculptures with Mondale were 14 correspondents from the International Communications Agency.

After the 15-minute stay at Covenant, the entourage proceeded to Logan Circle to see Alexander Calder's Swann Memorial Fountain. Other stops included Claus Oldenberg's "Clothespin" and Calder's "Banners," both located at 15th and Market Streets.

[photo. caption: ICA Director Janet Kardon and Joan Mondale pass by Covenant]