"When some boat comes around the corner, I hope they laugh and remember Brockport," Bill Stewart said of his outdoor sculpture that will be installed at the Welcome Center, 11 Water Street in Brockport. The 18 foot high steel sculpture on the canal will have Stewart's characteristic cartoon flare with brightly colored images of a boat, fish and duck, along with a welcoming heart and hands. He titled it "Howdy," after the exuberant greeting Minnie Pearl used to give on the Grand Ole Opry TV show. The work is scheduled to be installed on October 20 or 21 depending on the weather. A dedication ceremony is scheduled for Sunday, October 30, at 2 p.m. "I wanted to do something for the community I lived in all my life," Stewart said of the skill he donated to the project. Jeff Jubenville, metal smith and lifetime resident of the Brockport area, also is contributing his skill. Last year's Stone Soup Auction raised the funds for materials. The project is sponsored by the Arts & Aesthetics Committee of the Walk! Bike! Brockport Action Group. The concept of the statue started with sketches and a cardboard model on a 1 inch to 1 foot scale. The scale model parts were drawn separately, making a pattern for a computer-guided laser to cut steel parts for a 6 foot high model. Jubenville assembled the pieces. After experimenting with a finish, Stewart found an epoxy primer and standard Rustoleum paint made the most attractive, durable finish. For information on the dedication call (585) 637-6586. October 16, 2005 |
