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Post by Larry Koschkee on Jan 1, 2004 15:37:20 GMT -5
Sometime back in September 2003 I clipped a newspaper article on the City of Prairie du Chien proposal to develope a sculpture park on St. Feriole Island. The article was put aside to be followed up later. The misplaced article was found in the clutter of my office a couple of weeks ago... (Pete Shrake... you are not the only one losing things)
What is happening over at Prairie is the city wants to erect 24 bronze sculptures or tableaus that represent the rich 600 year history of the city at a price tag of $2.5 million. The artist, Ms. Florence Bird, from Spring Green, WI, came up with the original concept. The idea is going forward. The city has received some seed money and the local historical society is writing grant applications.
The first fund raiser will be a bronze statue of Black Hawk that will be raffled off July 4, 2004. The statue is a model of the larger one to be placed in the sculpture park and is valued at $1,340. Before I plunk my hard-earned money down on a raffle ticket I want to know what it looks like. A quote from Ms. Bird "most of the statues are based on historic photos and portraits." This statement concerns me.... what image or likeness of Black Hawk is she utilizing? I have left a message on Ms. Bird's answering machine, but no call back yet.
If Ms. Bird consulted with the 102 members of the BHW message board or members of the OLRHS and asked our opinion, what likeness would we suggest? Peters, King, Catlin, Sully, Lewis, Cameron, Jarvis, etc.?
Larry Koschkee
Post script... Ms. Florence Bird returned my call today and we had a very informative discussion. The Black Hawk statue features are a composite from several images of BH, but the work of John Westly Jarvis (Black Hawk and son) comes through the strongest.
Ms. Bird has the BH sculpture and others such as Gen Winfield Scott, and Yellow Thunder at here Spring Green studio until the 1st of February. After the 1st the statues will be on display at various locations at Prairie du Chien, WI.
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Post by Mike Thorson on Jan 3, 2004 9:36:00 GMT -5
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Post by Larry Koschkee on Jan 3, 2004 21:31:14 GMT -5
I have a 8 X 10 glossy of the 20"high Black Hawk statue. If any one would like a copy, I would be more than happy to send one... just e-mail your address.
regards,
Larry K.
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Cliff Krainik
Member
MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS LIFTED THE TOPKNOTS OF THE LONG KNIVES
Posts: 233
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Post by Cliff Krainik on Jul 15, 2004 11:16:49 GMT -5
Re: Black Hawk statue - Prairie du Chien
Larry wrote -
"The first fund raiser will be a bronze statue of Black Hawk that will be raffled off July 4, 2004. The statue is a model of the larger one to be placed in the sculpture park and is valued at $1,340."
How about an update of this event?
Thanks,
Cliff
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Post by Larry Koschkee on Jul 15, 2004 17:15:41 GMT -5
In all accounts the raffle was a financial success. A local Prairie du Chien resident, Mr. Jeff Panka, held the winning ticket. An interview and photo is forthcoming in the pages of the Courier Press - Prairie du Chien.
Larry K.
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Post by Robert Braun on Jul 16, 2004 8:34:12 GMT -5
Well... glad a local fellow won!  I'll look up some copies of the newspaper, as I will be in PDC this weekend. Best to all... Bob. |
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Post by Larry Koschkee on Jul 16, 2004 9:34:49 GMT -5
Who is in charge of the 1812 rum ration, Bob... you or Bob Camardo?  Larry K. |
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Post by Robert Braun on Jul 16, 2004 10:33:47 GMT -5
Who is in charge of the 1812 rum ration, Bob... you or Bob Camardo? Larry K. Rum? Heaven forbid! That would mean I was on the side of the Michigan Fencibles and Canadians loyal to the Crown! And the side favored by ol' 'Brandy Bob." Ahh... there was a time in the dim recesses of the past when ol' Bob was seen circulating about the American and Brit camps at the Villa at 10 in the AM, his tin cup and its ubiquitous contents alive and well...! Apparently no more! I understand that Bob has given up "demon rum" and is a happier man because of it. Good for him! Bob C. is a super guy... and we all continue to wish him the VERY best that life has to offer. As for we rollicking Missouri militiamen, at least some of us will be looking forward to our gill of fine American whiskey! Ho! For Governor Clark! Missouri Bob. |
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Post by Larry Koschkee on May 9, 2005 11:03:27 GMT -5
PROGRESS REPORT
A ground-breaking ceremony on St. Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien was held recently. Black Hawk's six feet high statue will be the first of many to be erected in the Mississipi River Sculpture Park.
The Black Hawk statue is being cast at the Vanguard Foundry in Milwaukee, WI and will be installed in September of this year at an estimated cost of $74,000.
Larry
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Post by mpcavanaugh on May 9, 2005 11:36:30 GMT -5
Sorry if this was already covered but where on the island will the sculpture park be?
Mike
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Post by Robert Braun on May 9, 2005 13:31:03 GMT -5
It is my hope that this statue will be more dignified that the recent embarrassment unveiled in Oregon, IL.
Bob.
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Post by zeldaanslinger on Jun 11, 2005 16:25:41 GMT -5
"It is my hope that this statue will be more dignified that the recent embarrassment unveiled in Oregon, IL." Do you mean the statue where it appears that Black Hawk is emerging from Abraham Lincoln's back? is that an embarrassment? All I could find by Google-ing it was showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/art/oregon.htm |
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Post by Robert Braun on Jun 13, 2005 12:55:25 GMT -5
"It is my hope that this statue will be more dignified that the recent embarrassment unveiled in Oregon, IL." Do you mean the statue where it appears that Black Hawk is emerging from Abraham Lincoln's back? is that an embarrassment? All I could find by Google-ing it was showcase.netins.net/web/creative/lincoln/art/oregon.htmHello, and welcome to the BHW message board! Please sign all posts with your full real name (it's one of our very few board rules!) You can do this by typing your full real name after every post or adding a signature to your "Profile" page on this board. If you need assistance, let me know. Again... welcome! To answer your question.. yes, your link identified the statue about which I was speaking. I'm no art critic, but I know what I like and don't like. And this rendition-- with a naked Black Hawk, and a fanciful Lincoln (whose likeness I have heard described as "odd," "wierd," and "something from the Cryptkeeper")-- goes beyond the realm of "dignified."  Your mileage may vary. Regards, Bob Braun Moderator. |
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Post by Larry Koschkee on Aug 29, 2005 20:33:35 GMT -5
The Mississppi River Sculpture Park is located at the corner of Villa Louis Road and Boilvin Street on St Feriole Island in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin. Just southeast across from Villa Louis Mansion.
Four concrete sculpture bases have been poured on the grounds. One round, one square and two rectangle. Out the window of an airplane at about 3,000 feet the bases stand out from all other objects on St Feriole Island. I commented to the pilot that the image resembles Indian mounds... conical and elongated.
In addition to the bases, several young sapling trees were planted. The species are Autumn Blaze Maple and (Maidenhair) Ginkgo. I have no notion as to the significance of these tree selections, other than to provide shade for future generations of sightseers.
The Ginkgo is an interesting tree. Native to the Orient, it is the sole remaining survivor of a family of trees widely distributed in prehistoric times. It is said Buddhist Monks saved it from extinction several centuries ago and is considered by many to be a living fossil.
No official word on the Black Hawk Statue dedication date, but I have learned there is some serious and generous private donations coming forward for this park.
Another aspect proposed for this park is the planting and management of tall grass prairie plant species which warms my heart.
Some amigos and I are encouraging the Mississippi River Sculpture Park commitee to reach out to the Native American community to participate in Black Hawk's sculpture dedication... and locate Black Hawk's descendants and extend an invitation.
I continue to keep my ear to the ground for further news.
Larry
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Post by Larry Koschkee on Sept 29, 2005 21:49:08 GMT -5
Of all the major players in the human drama the Black Hawk War, only one charachter continues to increase in notoriety - a Sac, Black Hawk. People in this country continue to erect images of the man. This is amazing, just amazing.
The larger-than-life bronze sculpture of Black Hawk will be unveiled Saturday, October 8, 2005, at 3 p.m. at the Mississippi River Sculpture Park on St. Feriole Island, Prairie. The specific location is posted on this thread.
The sculpture will be unveiled and then blessed by a representative of the American Indian Nations. After that, patrons Patrick and Janet Leamy will present the sculpture to Cheryl Mader, mayor of Praire du Chien. Artist Florence Bird and others involved with developing the sculpture park will say a few words.
In the evening, all are invited to the sculpture park fire circle nearby for poetry, drumming, songs and stories about Black Hawk.
Hope to see you all there...
Signing off from the Black Hawk War dateline news - your Black Hawk War Correspondent.
Larry
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