Michael Aurbach, sculptor and professor of fine arts, insists his goal is not to turn out artists. “I believe that art is a vehicle for a great education,” he says. “I do not teach ‘how-to’ classes. My first assignment for a class is to invent a culture, and then make a shrine or altar to some part of that culture.” Aurbach frequently has been at odds—on campus and in his work—with the University. Asked about his relationship with Vanderbilt, Aurbach responds quickly: “Terrible!” he laughs. “I’m a social irritant. I get to be like ‘60 Minutes’ used to be: nagging, relentless, irritating.”