There’s a line from a fairly recent country music hit that
describes how we feel about the public art effort which delivered
three exquisite bronze sculptures to the downtown area
Saturday:
”
We like it, we love it, we want some more of it.
”
There’s a line from a fairly recent country music hit that describes how we feel about the public art effort which delivered three exquisite bronze sculptures to the downtown area Saturday: “We like it, we love it, we want some more of it.”
Wow, Saturday’s unveiling of three sculptures, which now adorn the landscape between Fourth and Sixth streets, was an unqualified success. And, if you haven’t had an opportunity to check the new additions out, it’s definitely worth a stroll and a trip to Monterey Street downtown.
The three history-based statues are titled “The Handshake,” “Ready to Roll” and “Alcalde.” Each is mounted on a pedastel which features a footnote to explain its historical context.
The detail is fabulous. South County artist Marlene Amerian not only did her homework, she enlisted the right advisors to help her make the history come alive. That’s not only a tribute to her incredible talent, it’s a ringing endorsement for the chair of the Public Arts Committee, Shirley Willard, and the entire group.
The unveiling is a rousing start to what hopefully will be a string of successes. “Ready to Roll” represent history with regards to transportation. It depicts 1850s-era resident James A. Houck, station master, preparing to mount a horse presumably near the city’s stage stop. “The Handshake” represents commerce with landowner Electa Ousley and banker Thomas Rea sealing a deal. Finally, there’s the sculpture of the city’s namesake, John Cameron Gilroy, who appears dapper, very comfortable in his own bronze skin and warmly welcoming. The piece, titled “Alcalde” – which means a magistrate-like position in Spanish – is perfectly positioned in front of Old City Hall. The art speaks to our warm and friendly heritage and tradition. It’s an interpretation much like the aura that our volunteers create each year at the Garlic Festival.
In tipping our hats to the artist and the Public Arts Committee, we must also acknowledge the Rotary Clubs of Gilroy and the James Suner Group, which each contributed $25,000 to the project. The Gilroy Downtown Business Association put in $15,000 and a like sum came from the city’s downtown streetscape project. Individual contributors gave $5,000.
This group effort will stand the test of time. Visitors will come. Residents will enjoy, and all will be educated in our town’s history while enjoying beautiful public art in downtown Gilroy. Nice work everyone.
