Finally I can sleep at night. :o
Thanks for following this threw!
Art knows no bounds.
Now comes the reckoning. Somebody go through the thread and tote up the guesses/WAGs/reasoned and sober analyses.
Did you happen to get the name of the artist?
It’s “art”? That’s it? What a letdown…
You should build your own out of beer cans. That would teach them.
Tangent pegged it first, in post #16, less than an hour and a half after the OP.
What do I win?!
But Amateur Barbarian was doubtful in post #21:
Happy Artful Birthday, Amateur Barbarian.
A fine specimen of some old time Llab dirgegn arts. 
Turns out it was Dilbert.
It’s time! Also, did you ever get the artists name?
I haven’t been there for about a year (visited that part of the facility while waiting for someone else - doesn’t happen any more). Yes, I had the artist’s name… let me see if I can find it. Max something, I think. Moderately noted metal sculptor.
The only reference to an artist name is “Bart.” The work is untitled and was acquired in the early 1990s. I haven’t been successful at making anything out of this information - maybe someone with stronger art-fu can.
You might have to help us out with a location (even just the state).
I don’t think the entire internet is going to swarm the school to steal a 30 year old sculpture that was posted on a message board, but you could always delete the pictures if you’re worried.
The strange grid ball is all about its interior surface. That’s why the outside is so clunky looking. Might have been an experiment in high voltage or something, where energy or gas moved from one area to another. Obviously not about high pressure or high heat or vacuum however.
Um, check out post #431.
Waitasec. We’re a week too early. This zombie, from now on, should officially walk the earth, if ever, on October 15s only, in celebration–#431 and #434–of two blessed events.
I think it’s about the interior surface, too. Obviously meant for containing zombies.