The first artist chosen for the Esplanade Sculpture Walk is Ohio sculptor Giancarlo Calicchia. Born in Italy, Calicchia was formally trained in sculpture at Syracuse University, the University of Rome, the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, and the Academy of Fine Arts in San Miguel de Allende in Mexico. He has created more than 2,000 sculptures and paintings during his career. His work for the Sculpture Walk forms a series called 'The Witnesses.' The carvings are of granite, of which the most prominent is titled 'Athleta.' It is surrounded by other pieces, smaller in scale, also named by the artist. The work is located on a hilly site between Terrace Drive and Kent Hall. For the project, Calicchia excavated granite monoliths, some extending as far as12 feet under the ground, from his vineyard and surrounding farm in Lake County's Madison Township area.