In 1966, Rudy Autio built a piece called “Signal” from concrete in the family front driveway for the University of Montana. It is based on Japanese ideas of harmony and balance.
Representing Professor Autio’s interest in the Japanese Mingei tradition, “Signal” was the sculpture most closely aligned with his artistic vision. “‘Signal’ is a unique work about the principles of balance and harmony stemming from his study of Japanese architecture. Temple and gateway architecture can be seen in the design, so the museum entry seemed like a natural for its return.
On October 8, 2025– what would have been Rudy Autio’s birthday– the Autio family and Montana Museum of Art and Culture unveiled the new and improved “Signal.”
“Generous donors in 2023 made it possible to put this new piece together to commemorate Rudy’s long service at the University,” said Lisa Autio, who spearheaded the effort to restore her father’s work. “The family is very proud that the MMAC chose this prime spot to acknowledge his importance to the University’s history and the arts.”
photo credit Briar Diggs
Signal in its original location on the University of Montana campus.
Rudy made several models for his idea.
A model in clay
A slightly more modernist model
Hugh Warford, Rudy’s longtime assistant, made several models in 2023 in preparation for building a new Signal. This one suggests stainless steel.
This was another model Hugh built in 2023.
Rudy’s original model that he adopted for the 1966 version.
Another model in wood.
In its second location in front of Miller Hall. The old Signal weathered from freezing and thawing after many years.
This was Signal’s condition in 2019.
Jeremy and Hugh with the old Signal in 2019.
The University wanted the old Signal removed, here is the volunteer crew in March of 2024.
Herb and Hugh Warford taking down the old Signal, March 2024.
Top pieces could not be saved.
Herb Warford and Lar Autio taking down top pieces.
Kim Reineking, Andy Taylor and Herb Warford, March 2024.
Kim, Herb and Andy dismantling Signal.
Deconstructing Signal
Lar Autio, Herb Warford and Andy Taylor saving all the units for reassembly later in Lar’s yard.
Basic structure waiting for its new home.
Lar and Andy poured a new concrete base and the old Signal was moved to Lar’s yard in the summer of 2024.
Lar created new pieces for the top from his own molds and began to add the old pieces that were still in good shape.
Lar Autio, Herb and Hugh Warford.
Steady!
The old Signal was close to a public walking trail.
Nick Chaussee at DCF Manufacturing showing how curved pieces of the new steel Signal were built.
Finished curved pieces for top.
Basic structure of the new Signal.
Core 10 Steel to replace the crumbling concrete
Further along in building the new Signal.
Nick Chaussee and the new Signal.
Kim Reineking, Joe Dillon, Hugh Warford and Nick Chaussee, Spring of 2025.
Joe and Hugh discussing progress of the sculpture.
Kim and the new Signal at new location of DCF Manufacturing.
Kim and the new Signal at new location of DCF Manufacturing.
Forms were created for the concrete base, September 2025.
Preparation of form, September 2025.
Pouring of concrete.
Wheelbarrow delivery of concrete.
Wheelbarrow delivery of concrete.
Pad ready for steel Signal to be delivered.
Hugh and Lisa Autio made more discs for Signal with gold luster, low fire.
Testing if discs fits in the steel Signal.
Return from the sandblasting, the new Signal has blue tape in spots where discs will go.
Application of hydrogen peroxide, vinegar and salt turns the steel to a brown color.
Solution woks immediately after application, September 2025.
Patina of light brown occurred right away.
Hugh applied adhesive and grout to Signal several days later.
September 30, 2025 was moving day for Signal. University of Montana maintenance staff were on hand to lift Signal from the truck to the pad.
Signal waits for its final lift to the pad.
Signal was carefully put in place by maintenance staff.
Signal was set in place September 30, 2025 and welded to six metal plates embedded in the pad.
Lars celebrates the official unveiling of the new Signal with the last bottle of Jack Daniels from Rudy's studio.
Opening reception Oct 8, 2025.
Nick Chaussee and Arne Autio
Signal at the entrance to the Montana Museum of Art and Culture on the University of Montana, Missoula campus. Photo Briar Diggs.
The journey of Signal from maquette to concrete sculpture to its final core-10 steel form has been a long one, spanning nearly 60 years (1966-2025). While the original concrete version has been moved to Lars Autio’s property and repaired, the final steel version, the one envisioned by Rudy Autio in the 60s, will remain available to the public on the North side of the University of Montana’s campus, at the entry to the new Montana Museum of Art and Culture building.
On this page you will find two journeys: one of the concrete Signal as it moves from idea to campus, destruction to family monument, and the second of an artistic legacy resurrected. Both journeys rest on the foundation of one family’s love and the lasting inheritance of two artists and parents, Lela and Rudy Autio, who raised a generation that continues to pass down their knowledge and memory.
Thank you to everyone who donated, spread the word, and especially those whose hard labor made the new Signal possible. Thank you to Hugh for always being there for Rudy, even now.