Supply Chain Management (SCM) Logistics recently was tasked with one of the most unusual move requests the department has handled. This past December, Logistics team members Mike Soabas, Matt Banzon and Marthel Julian moved a one-of-a-kind sculpture from the UCSF School of Medicine to the Kalmanovitz Library at Parnassus.

The 350-pound, stainless-steel sculpture, The Dance of Life, was created by the renowned artist Aristides (Aris) Demetrious who passed away in 2021. The piece was commissioned by UCSF as a memorial to individuals who have donated their bodies for medical education and research through the UCSF Willed Body Program. The sculpture celebrates life, and the gift that approximately 450 donors give through the program each year.

Originally intended to be displayed at the UCSF Library, the sculpture was given a temporary home – for numerous reasons – at the UCSF School of Medicine that lasted nearly 10 years. Kirk Hudson, UCSF Library facilities manager, was determined to give the sculpture its intended home before the year ended and reached out to Logistics for help.

The job was scheduled for the final work week of the year and was one of several jobs scheduled for the team. Soabas, Banzon, Marthel and Hudson carefully evaluated the piece to determine how to safely relocate the priceless artwork. Despite the rain, the team slowly and steadily moved the carefully wrapped piece across Parnassus Avenue and safely placed it in its new, more prominent home – ending the year with a very special delivery (see photo to the right).

Logistics’ Services

You may not have a 350-pound sculpture you need to move, but Logistics provides a wide array of services including mail services, storage, moving, installation and delivery, surplus and an online warehouse for gases and alcohol. Learn more about how we can help you today.