Donated artworks enrich the law school environment and will inspire students and scholars for generations to come.
Thursday, January 30, 2025
By: Nic Arp
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"Galloping Indian After Leigh," a 1978 painting by Fritz Scholder, was a gift to Iowa Law from Jim and Deba Leach.

When you visit the Boyd Law Building, home of Iowa Law, you might be surprised to find an original sculpture by French master Auguste Rodin (1840-1917), regarded as one of history’s greatest artists, in the courtyard.

But the University of Iowa has deep roots in its appreciation for and creation of fine art, and Iowa Law reflects that ethos. Throughout the Boyd Law Building, works of art inspire and inform the study, teaching, research, and service of the Iowa Law community.

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"Chicago Skaters at Night," a photograph by Jim Spizzo (74JD), was a gift from the artist.

Iowa Law senior scholar Jim Leach and his wife, Deba, know about the power of art to ignite the imagination. Jim served as chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities from 2009 to 2013 (after 30 years representing Iowa in the U.S. Congress), and Deba is currently pursuing her PhD in art history at the UI School of Art and Art History.

Avid art collectors since they were a young couple, they donated a piece by American painter Fritz Scholder (1937-2005) to Iowa Law. It is on display in the Office of the Dean.

“It gives us great pleasure to make this gift inspired by the leadership of Dean Washburn, and to imagine law students at Iowa being inspired by the achievements of artists like Scholder as they navigate the corridors of the school and the rigors of their own endeavors,” Jim said.

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A watercolor of Boyd Law Building by Marvin Hill (76JD, phD) was a gift from the artist.

Among the school’s collection are original works donated by alumni who have developed careers as artists.

Marvin Hill (70BBA, 72MA, 76JD, 76PhD), professor emeritus at Northern Illinois University, gifted his watercolor paintings of Boyd Law Building and other subjects. With shimmering color and unique perspective, the pieces capture the intellectual energy of Iowa Law.

After retiring from his law career, Jim Spizzo (78JD), is pursuing his passion for photography full time. With a keen eye for architectural spaces, his award-winning work has been chosen for multiple juried exhibitions. Spizzo donated “Chicago Skaters at Night” to Iowa Law.

Iowa Law is grateful for the many ways in which our alumni and friends give back. Learn how you can make the greatest impact at the College of Law: law.uiowa.edu/give.