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Dedication of city’s newest sculpture Saturday

Staff photo by Richard O Jones Eric David Laxman with his model of "A Conversation in Six Parts," a sculpture being installed in early July in Journal Square in downtown Hamilton.

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By Eric Robinette, Staff Writer 1:20 AM Friday, October 16, 2009

HAMILTON — City of Sculpture will formally dedicate its latest addition, “A Conversation in Six Parts.”

The sculptor, Eric David Laxman from Valley Cottage, N.Y., will appear at the dedication set for 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, at Journal Square, where the sculpture is located, and will talk about the genesis of his work at the public reception that follows in the Miami Downtown Center adjacent to Journal Square.

“It’s so exciting,” Laxman said of the dedication of the sculpture, which has been in the works for about a year.

“A Conversation in Six Parts” is composed of six overlapping circular figures, three in stainless steel and three in bronze, surrounded by landscaping designed by Jon Doepker of Lakeview Nursery in Fairfield. The concrete support system was supervised by Robert A. Saurber General Contractors.

“The whole idea was an escalation for people to be in dialogue with each other. The curvy pieces are meant to be an abstract dance of pieces interacting,” Laxman said.

“Conversation” brings the total number of City of Sculpture pieces to more than 35, said Tim Naab, the president of the organization.

“It’s the largest piece we’ve actually commissioned. We’re just really, really fortunate to have it,” said Naab.

“It’s open to interpretation. It certainly brings a thoughtful mind when people wonder ‘What does that mean?’” Naab said.

Sue Samoviski, past president of City of Sculpture, said, “It’s a project I can’t quite let go of. It’s a wonderful thing.”

More than 40 artists applied for the $50,000 commission to create art for this area. Laxman’s proposal was selected early this year by a panel, which included community leaders and area artists. He worked for more than six months to complete the sculpture, which was installed in July.

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RP-I was under the impression that COS is responsible for all maintenance, and I would imagine that would include moving those pieces if that lot were sold.
CAIV-I don't care for that piece either, but it was donated so there isn't much you or I can do about it. These monies are private donations, and the donors specify where they are spent. There are many in our city (the Carruthers family in particular) who donate to projects that benefit us all. Some enjoy funding art - it's their choice.

K
2:51 PM, 10/17/2009

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I wonder what would happen to that atrocity sitting on the corner of High and Second if a business would like to buy and develop that lot. Would it be moved or would the City not allow a possible employer to purchase the lot? Is that lot leased to the artist group? If it is leased, then congratulations to the City for garnering some income from it. I also wonder who is reponsible for maintaining these "lovely" objets d'art or do they now just sit there for eternity?

RP McMurphy
11:19 AM, 10/17/2009

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The sculptuers are paid for by COS.org, I want to know haow much of an endowment is set aside for each sculpture for maintaining andrepairing them. Are these ongoing costs paid for by COS or the taxpayer?

who pays the rest
10:13 PM, 10/16/2009

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To TOTI, Even if it is ALL private donations don't you agree that the $ could be better donated & spent where it's truly needed? Also, you can't help look at it every time you are sitting at the intersection of High & 127. The red lights are too long!

Captive audience in vehicle
2:11 PM, 10/16/2009

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m & others - please check out: http://www.cityofsculpture.org/spon...

On this page you will see that the City of Sculpture accepts private donations "...to help keep this program self-sustaining".

"Self-sustaining" sure sounds to me like no public (ie tax) monies are involved.

tired of the idiots
12:19 PM, 10/16/2009

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