Hero

Artist: David Boyajin
Date: 2003
Material: Cast iron
Location: Morris Cove Firehouse, 510 Lighthouse Road

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A sculptor from Ridgefield, Connecticut, David Boyajian's work Hero reflects feelings of gratitude and praise heaped on firefighter's only two years after the tragic events of 9/11. Though the hazardous aspects of firefighting have been the subject of countless monuments, stories and movies, the loss of 343 firefighters on September 11, 2001 impacted the public tremendously.

Boyajian purposefully then calls upon the special role of the firefighter in this work, his (and now her) ability to go wherever needed (wheels and ladder), to extinguish flames with water (hydrant and hoses) and to always be prepared with the right tools (hook). Inserted onto a stainless steel base, facing outward towards Morris Cove, Hero is poised for action, strong arms/hoses raised, the shiny red and silver reminding viewers of hydrants found along the street and fire engines that rush by.

The intended effect of Hero is one full of life and action, perhaps even a sign of recovery from the disheartening feelings lingering from 9/11. Boyajian stated in his proposal that "Hero had to be a friendly yet courageous partisan of the community-half mascot, half leader" which would "earn a smile of pride from the community."

The Voyage

Artist: Peter Busby
Date: 2003
Material: Steel rods, liquid bronze
Location: Nathan Hale School, 480 Townsend Avenue

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Peter Busby, a sculptor from Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut, designed a series of six dolphins which appear to be floating-actually swimming-their way through the building on their way out to Long Island Sound. Each dolphin sculpture was welded together from numerous steel rods, and weigh between 60-80 pounds each.

The artist suggests that dolphins are a perfect metaphor "relating to the goals and aspirations of a school environment, including intelligence, sensitivity, communication, interdependence, respect and playfulness."

To Kiss the Earth

Artist: Eileen Doktorski
Date: 1989
Material: Metal, paint
Location: East Shore Park, 350 Woodward Avenue

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Eileen Doktorski, a sculptor who had a studio on James Street in New Haven, was the first artist hired under the City's Percent for Art ordinance. Her work titled To Kiss the Earth, was meant to "blend the spirit of nature with that of space-age technology."

Doktorski earned degrees in sculpture from Yale and Parsons School of Design and today is Professor of Art at Utah State University.