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Public art enhances Heckscher Park
Four large-scale works by Michael Joseph Hibbard join display
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Four large-scale sculptures by Buffalo artist Michael Joseph Hibbard recently joined other public art on display in Huntington's Heckscher Park. These four works, as well as one by Brooklyn artist Luisa Caldwell that is soon to be installed, were selected for installation from proposals submitted by nine different artists in response to the Public Art Initiative Request for Proposals issued by the Town of Huntington's Public Art Advisory Committee in fall 2008.
"As home to both the Heckscher Museum of Art and the town's Summer Arts Festival on the Chapin Rainbow Stage, Heckscher Park is already a focal point for the arts in Huntington," Supervisor Frank Petrone said. "The temporary installation of these sculptures will further enhance the cultural experience of park visitors. The fact that these striking works of art were made partly from recycled materials also makes them a living lesson about how trash can be turned into treasure."
"Having such vital and engaging cultural opportunities in close proximity is one of the things that makes Huntington such a great place to live and work," said Councilman Mark Cuthbertson. "That's why our community is often referred to as the cultural capital of Long Island."
Remarking on the selection process, Councilwoman Susan Berland commented, "We appreciate the dedicated and knowledgeable assistance provided by citizen volunteers who serve on the Public Art Advisory Committee and on the Artist Selection Panel for each project. Their input helps to ensure that diverse perspectives from the community are considered whenever we select public art for installation."
Hibbard's sculptures are massive structures, often reaching over 10 feet high. They are made from angular facets of welded sheet metal and recycled material such as shredded tires and plastic bottles. Hibbard paints his sculptures, at times in a single bold hue, but more often in two colors to emphasize individual planes.
"The monumental scale of these works is impressive and their bold coloring and architectural angularity contrasts strikingly with the rolling turf of Heckscher Park," observed Councilman Stuart Besen.
While made from welded metal, the sculptures have a lively sense of movement, reaching and bending in space or along the ground. The work is abstract, while reflecting the artist's interest in contemporary architecture and the industrial forms of Buffalo, where he lives and works.
The four major works by Hibbard selected for display were executed within the past three years. They show the range of his work and include both monumental towers and horizontally based pieces. Included are "#191," a blue-and-rust-painted structure, 12 feet tall, that as it extends upwards, bends and reaches out like a limb of a tree or of an animal. Also on display is "#203," which is suspended from a tree, and comprised of an outer loop of steel and a rounded interior element, whose wire mesh frame holds recycled plastic bottles. A two-tone, horizontal work, "#218," and a vertical composition made of light gray rectangular concrete fused with a dark gray welded steel pyramidal base, "#168," round out the works recently installed.
"This is the first time that one of our selection panels has recommended installation of multiple sculptures by the same artist," observed Councilwoman Glenda Jackson. "Being able to see a range of different works by the same artist provides viewers with a unique opportunity to gain greater insight into the artist's approach to sculpture and the nature of his creative expression."
Heckscher Park is also the site of two previous public art installations that currently remain on view: "Intervals of Prime #3" by Huntington native John Clement and "Muse II" by Long Island City artist Michael Poast. Originally installed on loan from the artist, "Intervals of Prime #3" was purchased for the town in 2004 entirely with private donations. "Muse II" is a welded-and-painted steel sculpture selected for temporary installation in 2008 that remains on loan from the artist.
Further information on these public art installations can be obtained from the Town of Huntington Division of Cultural Affairs at 351-3099 or by viewing the Public Art section on the town's website at http://town.huntington.ny.us.
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