Tuesday, October 31, 2006

A New Park, A New Sculpture


Now that I"ve got your attention, the sculpture really isn't new. It was created by artist Finley Fryer in 1999 for the Burning Man Art Festival, where this 18 ft. tall bell diver covered in old 45 rpm records first made his appearance as 'Stan, Submerging Man.'

Recently created, Victoria Manaolo Draves Park, sits on Folsom between 6th & 7th streets. As the park came to fruitition Friends of VMD Park contacted the Black Rock Arts Foundation in search of a piece of public art to commemorate the opening of the new park. As conversations continued the normal course of action began to play itself out: Friends of VMD Park began working on a fundraising plan, the requisite permit applications were filed, and then something new happened -- as part of the fabrication of the park a permanent place for public art was created, complete with electricity for night time lighting. This new pocket park will, undoubtedly, serve the area businesses, residents, and families well.

Now, with all the permits completed and approved we are working in cooperation with Friends of VMD to raise the $10,000 required for this temporary exhibition of 'Stan, Submerfing Man.' Donations in support of this temporary exhibition can be made at http://www.donatetoblackrockarts.org/staninvmdpark.html