Public Art Projects
Restoration of Fatima Miracle at Saint Pius Church
I am honored to have completed the restoration of the "Fatima Miracle" at Saint Pius X
Church in Westerly, Rhode Island. This project was a deeply personal one, allowing me to
bring my passion for storytelling through sculpture to a piece of great spiritual and
historical significance. The "Fatima Miracle" refers to the Marian apparition witnessed
by three shepherd children in Fátima, Portugal, in 1917, which culminated in the "Miracle
of the Sun." This restoration aimed to breathe new life into the figures, honoring the
original artistry while ensuring their preservation for future generations.
The work involved a meticulous process of cleaning, repairing, and re-sculpting to restore the statues to their original beauty and emotional depth. I approached the project with a deep respect for the narrative and spiritual weight of the story, ensuring that every detail reflected the profound faith and historical context of the event.
The completed statues now stand as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the miraculous story of Our Lady of Fatima. They are located within Saint Pius X Catholic Church, at 44 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891.
This restoration was not just about fixing a piece of art; it was about preserving a story, a moment of wonder, and a connection to a community's faith. It is a story that I hope will continue to inspire all who visit Saint Pius Church for years to come.
The work involved a meticulous process of cleaning, repairing, and re-sculpting to restore the statues to their original beauty and emotional depth. I approached the project with a deep respect for the narrative and spiritual weight of the story, ensuring that every detail reflected the profound faith and historical context of the event.
The completed statues now stand as a testament to the enduring power of faith and the miraculous story of Our Lady of Fatima. They are located within Saint Pius X Catholic Church, at 44 Elm Street, Westerly, RI 02891.
This restoration was not just about fixing a piece of art; it was about preserving a story, a moment of wonder, and a connection to a community's faith. It is a story that I hope will continue to inspire all who visit Saint Pius Church for years to come.
Zen Zen, Westerly Animal Shelter
Zen Zen, a captivating public art piece depicting a very serene cat, was created for the
Westerly Animal Shelter located at 33 Larry Hirsch Drive, Westerly RI. The sculpture's
flowing, organic shapes and calming presence embody a sense of peace and harmony. Its
design, inspired by the tranquil beauty of nature, evokes the feeling of a peaceful
sanctuary, reflecting the core mission of the shelter.
The title, Zen Zen, is a Japanese word meaning "completely" or "entirely," reinforcing the art's purpose of offering a complete and holistic sense of serenity.
The purpose of Zen Zen is to transform the shelter's outdoor space into a welcoming and calming environment for visitors, staff, and most importantly, the animals. By creating a beautiful and peaceful aesthetic, the sculpture serves as a visual representation of the care and compassion provided at the shelter. It aims to soothe and uplift all who encounter it, fostering a sense of tranquility that can help reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with animal shelters.
Ultimately, Zen Zen stands as a beacon of hope for all the animals the shelter takes in, and is a testament to the idea that art can heal, comfort, and connect us to the natural world.
The title, Zen Zen, is a Japanese word meaning "completely" or "entirely," reinforcing the art's purpose of offering a complete and holistic sense of serenity.
The purpose of Zen Zen is to transform the shelter's outdoor space into a welcoming and calming environment for visitors, staff, and most importantly, the animals. By creating a beautiful and peaceful aesthetic, the sculpture serves as a visual representation of the care and compassion provided at the shelter. It aims to soothe and uplift all who encounter it, fostering a sense of tranquility that can help reduce the stress and anxiety often associated with animal shelters.
Ultimately, Zen Zen stands as a beacon of hope for all the animals the shelter takes in, and is a testament to the idea that art can heal, comfort, and connect us to the natural world.
The Spirit of the Pines
Nestled within the new sculpture garden at Wickham Park in Manchester, Connecticut, "The
Spirit of the Pines" is a tribute to both the park's history and the enduring power of art.
This bronze sculpture, a reinterpretation of a piece gifted by Mrs. Wickham to her husband
in 1925, was created by artist Serena Bates to honor a lost piece of the park's legacy.
The sculpture depicts a young man, head tilted to the sky, serenading the heavens with a lyre as the wind sweeps through the pines. His song seems to become one with the breeze, an eternal melody echoing through the landscape. This artwork's purpose is to evoke a sense of spiritual connection to nature and to memorialize the original sculpture that was tragically lost in a fire in the 1980s.
"The Spirit of the Pines" serves as a bridge between the past and present, inviting visitors to reflect on the legacy of Wickham Park while creating new memories for generations to come.
The sculpture depicts a young man, head tilted to the sky, serenading the heavens with a lyre as the wind sweeps through the pines. His song seems to become one with the breeze, an eternal melody echoing through the landscape. This artwork's purpose is to evoke a sense of spiritual connection to nature and to memorialize the original sculpture that was tragically lost in a fire in the 1980s.
"The Spirit of the Pines" serves as a bridge between the past and present, inviting visitors to reflect on the legacy of Wickham Park while creating new memories for generations to come.
The Tarzan Brown Memorial
This art piece commemorates Ellison "Tarzan" Brown, a two-time Boston Marathon champion
and an exceptional athlete. As a member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe, Brown's
achievements brought pride and recognition to his community. Located at the Westerly,
RI train station, this sculpture stands as a permanent tribute to his legacy, celebrating
his athletic prowess and his identity as a Narragansett man and Westerly native. The
piece aims to inspire future generations and honor the deep history and resilience of the
Narragansett people.
About the Artist and the Process
As the sculptor, my goal was to capture Tarzan Brown's energy and spirit. I wanted to create a work that felt dynamic and alive, much like Brown himself. The sculpture depicts a moment of powerful movement, with his form and the fabric around him showing the intensity of his running.
My artistic process began with extensive research into Tarzan Brown's life and athletic career, as well as the history of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. I worked closely with tribal leaders and community members to ensure the piece respectfully and accurately represents Brown and his heritage. Their insights were invaluable, guiding the design and ensuring the final sculpture resonated with the community it honors.
The sculpture was first created in a smaller clay model, allowing me to refine the pose and details. From there, it was scaled up and cast in bronze, a durable and timeless material that will stand for generations. This project was a true collaboration, and I am honored to have been entrusted with bringing this important story to life in bronze.
The Narragansett Indian Tribe and Tarzan Brown's Legacy
The Narragansett Indian Tribe, one of the oldest tribes in New England, has a rich and enduring history. Their traditional lands span much of what is now known as Rhode Island. The Tribe continues to maintain its cultural traditions and sovereignty.
Tarzan Brown's story is deeply intertwined with the history of the Narragansett people. Born on the Narragansett reservation in 1910, he became an international sports hero while remaining deeply connected to his roots. His victories in the 1936 and 1939 Boston Marathons were not just personal achievements but a source of immense pride for his tribe. By honoring Tarzan Brown, the Narragansett Tribe celebrates one of its most celebrated members and reaffirms its vibrant history and culture for all to see.
About the Artist and the Process
As the sculptor, my goal was to capture Tarzan Brown's energy and spirit. I wanted to create a work that felt dynamic and alive, much like Brown himself. The sculpture depicts a moment of powerful movement, with his form and the fabric around him showing the intensity of his running.
My artistic process began with extensive research into Tarzan Brown's life and athletic career, as well as the history of the Narragansett Indian Tribe. I worked closely with tribal leaders and community members to ensure the piece respectfully and accurately represents Brown and his heritage. Their insights were invaluable, guiding the design and ensuring the final sculpture resonated with the community it honors.
The sculpture was first created in a smaller clay model, allowing me to refine the pose and details. From there, it was scaled up and cast in bronze, a durable and timeless material that will stand for generations. This project was a true collaboration, and I am honored to have been entrusted with bringing this important story to life in bronze.
The Narragansett Indian Tribe and Tarzan Brown's Legacy
The Narragansett Indian Tribe, one of the oldest tribes in New England, has a rich and enduring history. Their traditional lands span much of what is now known as Rhode Island. The Tribe continues to maintain its cultural traditions and sovereignty.
Tarzan Brown's story is deeply intertwined with the history of the Narragansett people. Born on the Narragansett reservation in 1910, he became an international sports hero while remaining deeply connected to his roots. His victories in the 1936 and 1939 Boston Marathons were not just personal achievements but a source of immense pride for his tribe. By honoring Tarzan Brown, the Narragansett Tribe celebrates one of its most celebrated members and reaffirms its vibrant history and culture for all to see.
A Mer-Nutcracker? You Bet!
You've never seen a Nutcracker like this! Local artist Serena Bates has transformed an iconic
holiday figure into a magical mermaid for the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce's 1st annual
holiday Nutcracket trail.
Commissioned by the Chamber, this unique "Mer-Nutcracker" is part of a special project where artists were given traditional male Nutcracker figures to reinvent. Serena's creativity shines through in her enchanting design, which turns a classic Christmas soldier into a mystical siren of the sea.
Come see this one-of-a-kind creation and discover the other imaginative Nutcrackers on display throughout the community this holiday season!
For information on the complete trail, go to nutcrackertrail.com.
Commissioned by the Chamber, this unique "Mer-Nutcracker" is part of a special project where artists were given traditional male Nutcracker figures to reinvent. Serena's creativity shines through in her enchanting design, which turns a classic Christmas soldier into a mystical siren of the sea.
Come see this one-of-a-kind creation and discover the other imaginative Nutcrackers on display throughout the community this holiday season!
For information on the complete trail, go to nutcrackertrail.com.