A METAPHOR IN BRONZE

Last night, at sunset on Waterfront Park, there was a very special event - the unveiling and dedication of local sculptor Ed Hamilton's Abraham Lincoln Memorial.

 

It was scheduled at 8:45 p.m., to take advantage of sunset on the river, but it had been rainy and cloudy all day, until just a few minutes before the event started. 

Then the clouds moved east, revealing a beautiful sunset, reflected on the river.

The larger than life statue of Lincoln faces west, across the river, and is very beautiful.

I remember meeting Ed in his early days as a sculptor, working in Barney Bright's studio. 

Like Barney Bright, Ed designed this public art so that it is really accessible, and by the time the program began, there were about a dozen children, perched on the statue from top to bottom. When Ed gave his talk, he said "I knew this was a success when I saw all those children enjoying it." 

Bob and I both got some beautiful photos of the sunset reflected on the water. This Waterfront Park, many years in the planning and making, has been such a well-used public space, with concerts, festivals, bicycle paths, picnic areas, boat ramps etc.  

Of course, Jerry Abramson, Mayor for Life, was there, along with many local and State officials. Lots of schmoozing goin' on! Great people watching, one of my favorite hobbies!

 

The orchestra sounded wonderful in that outdoor setting. They played Aaron Copland's Fanfare for the Common Man, another Aaron Copland trumpet piece,  and of course,  Battle Hymn of the Republic.  It was all very exciting!

There were hundreds of people there, enjoying a cool evening, wonderful music, and a beautiful view.

As if on cue, the Belle of Louisville, one of the few remaining steam-driven  paddlewheelers  came by, returning from its sunset cruise. It stopped for a while, so the people on board could hear the music. 

I love photos with reflections, and this isn't a bad night shot with my little camera. 

And one last shot as we walked back to the car. It was a very pleasant evening, and we are very fortunate to have an artist like Ed Hamilton. His works, like the Civil War Memorial in Washington D.C., his Amistad work, and many others, are well known nationally, and it is wonderful to have several right here in his home town.