Sculpture Day a Success!
Sculpture Day, a series of programs held in conjunction with the traveling exhibit Preserving Memory: America's Monumental Legacy, was held at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum on March 13.
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The day began with a walking tour of Lafayette Park led by conservator Nicolas Veloz, who talked about his experiences conserving the sculptures of Baron von Steuben, Andrew Jackson, and le comte de Rochambeau. About 20 people participated in the tour and learned about what causes corrosion of bronze sculptures and how to prevent and repair it. Mr. Veloz also talked about the challenges of working in the park closest to the White House, where security concerns can trump conservation schedules.
Dr. Michael Richman then talked about his research into the work of sculptor Daniel Chester French and showed slides of French's bronze sculptures. He emphasized how important conservation of bronze sculpture is to preserving the artist's original intent: corroding bronze not only turns from a warm brown to a sickly green, it obscures details and interferes with the sculpture's message. Dr. Richman showed several slides of French's sculptures before and after conservation treatment, noting how he saw some sculptures after treatment "in a new light, almost reborn." He also remarked that after conservation treatment, people seem to take better care of the sculptures, and that French assumed his bronzes would receive maintenance. "Before is fine; after is much better," he said, summing up the before and after treatment images.
Next, master carver Constantine Seferlis and sculptor John Sonnier talked about Seferlis' experiences working on the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception and the National Cathedral, among other projects. They answered questions from the audience, including:
- What brings life to the stone? Study, experience, and five or six years' work.
- Were the gargoyles on the National Cathedral carved in place? Yes. Some of them are set 30 inches or so into the wall. The architect left room for the decorations.
- How do you stimulate creativity? You have to have an idea before carving, but the plan can change. The material is your guide.
- Do you have any advice for young sculptors? You have to work hard—you gain with your dedication and the time devoted to sculpting. You can't hurry stone.
About 50 people attended the lectures.
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Sculpture Day concluded with Create Your Own Monument, where kids used recyclable materials to construct sculptures of their own. About a dozen kids showed off their creativity with pipe cleaners, cardboard tubes, tissue paper, and milk and juice bottles.
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