‘HeArt of Tennessee’ sculpture created by MTSU professor finds home at Discovery Center

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A sculpture designed and created by a Middle Tennessee State University associate art professor is on display at the Discovery Center at Murfree Spring off Southeast Broad Street.

Michael Baggarly worked with Rutherford Arts Alliance artists Ginny Togrye and Sharon Kolli to design and create a 14-foot bronze sculpture in the shape of a heart. The piece would work in conjunction with painted aluminum hearts created by 24 local artists for the Cultural Arts Murfreesboro Laureate project, symbolizing Murfreesboro as the geographic center of the state while also reinforcing MTSU’s commitment to artistic innovation and community enrichment.

Work on the “HeArt of Tennessee” sculpture began in 2020 with meetings, sketches, and the modeling of a 3D concept for the design.

“Ginny Togrye knew she wanted something heart-related, and I wanted a design that could visually relate without simply being another literal heart,” Baggarly explained, adding he experimented with several materials before deciding on a double Möbius loop design that echoed the gesture of a heart being drawn.

“I like to think of the ribbon-like nature of the sculpture as one-sided rather than divided in two — symbolizing the idea that ‘love encompasses all,’” he said.

The “HeArt of Tennessee” sculpture created by Middle Tennessee State University art professor Michael Baggarly is seen here at its permanent home at the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs on Southeast Broad Street in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

‘HeArt of Tennessee’ finds home at the Discovery Center

Initially developed for a different location, Baggarly said its permanent home at the Discovery Center, which features a children’s museum, nature center and wetlands boardwalk, holds a personal connection since it’s a place he spent many hours with his children as they were growing up.

Tara MacDougall

Michael Baggarly

“Years ago, while visiting the Discovery Center, I commented to my wife that the space seemed to be waiting for something to be placed there. Years later, it became the home for my sculpture. It’s nice to see that circle completed,” he said.

He continued, “Aesthetically, it integrates well with the surroundings. The copper finish works tonally with the architectural colors of the Discovery Center building and its environment.”

Discovery Center President and CEO Tara MacDougall said the sculpture, located on the left front lawn, is “far more than a bigger-than-life art installation.”

“The ‘HeArt of Tennessee’ reminds every child that science and creativity begin with belonging; that when a community invests love, imagination, and curiosity, extraordinary learning and growth is possible,” she said.

MacDougall said the piece is powered by STEAM, or science, technology, engineering, art and math, which is a meaningful and living expression of the Discovery Center’s mission.

“We are so thrilled to have a permanent contribution,” MacDougall said. “The hearts that grace the beautiful ironworks fence show that creativity and self-expression are essential tools for learning, problem-solving and understanding the world around us. Each heart says, ‘You belong here.’ Visitors see proof that the Discovery Center is of the community, not just for it.”

Added College of Liberal Arts Dean Leah Tolbert Lyons: “The arts enrich communities. This public display of the creative work of our faculty is emblematic of MTSU’s commitment to the surrounding community. Michael Baggarly’s work is exquisite, and I am glad that it has found a permanent home where it can be enjoyed by so many.”

Middle Tennessee State University art professor and sculptor Michael Baggarly, right, applauds along with MTSU College of Liberal Arts Dean Leah Tolbert Lyons and other attendees at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for Baggarly’s “HeArt of Tennessee” sculpture held Feb. 9, 2026, at the Discovery Center at Murfree Springs in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

Support from the community

The “HeArt of Tennessee” isn’t the first project Baggarly has worked on with the Discovery Center. Ten years ago, he completed a whimsical community art project that became the entryway for the Discovery Center’s Science of Music exhibit.

“I’m grateful to have been part of this project. The support from MTSU, Rutherford Arts Alliance and everyone involved made the long hours worthwhile,” Baggarly said. “I hope the sculpture helps raise awareness of the sculptural arts within our community, and that the city of Murfreesboro recognizes the success of this piece — and the community support behind it — as encouragement to create more opportunities for the arts in our city.”

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Feb. 9. The piece was dedicated to Ginna Foster Cannon and her family. Cannon, who passed away unexpectedly in late 2019, was one of the Rutherford Arts Alliance’s earliest chairs.

“This work would not have been possible without her leadership, passion and vision,” Togrye said.

— DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)