More about the downtown sulptures

Remember the pictures I posted the day I took my mom to see the sculptures downtown? Here's another addition and some info.


The entourage of bronze horses, covered wagons and pioneers on First National Bank's downtown campus now has a captain.

Workers installed an 11-foot-tall bronze wagon master on a horse at the highest point at Pioneer Courage Park. Wearing bronzed buckskin and fringe, the mountain-man-looking figure appears as a symbol of boldness and courage, holding out his hat and motioning to other wagons to catch up.
"He's the leader, the guy with the power," said Utah-based artist Blair Buswell. "I tried to convey that strength in him, so he has a presence."

The newest addition to the sculpture park is what Brenda Dooley, president of First National Bank's buildings division, calls a signature piece because of what it embodies and where it is located.

The wagon master's horse looks eager, with a hoof in the air. The wagon master has a fearless expression, portraying the brave optimism and pioneering spirit that the park was designed to represent.

"What that character signifies is what is significant to the park," Dooley said.
The wagon master was installed at the northeast corner - and highest point - in the park, making it the most visible piece in the park for drivers exiting Interstate 480 at 14th Street.

"This is what will bring people into the park," Buswell said.
About 29 bronze pieces are planned for the Pioneer Courage sculpture, created by artists Buswell and Ed Fraughton, that is on permanent display in the park.

The installation of the wagon master marks the halfway point, Dooley said.

Other major pieces, including other wagons, pioneers and hunters, are to be installed every year until the sculpture is complete in 2009 or 2010.
The sculpture is 11 feet tall, more than 8 feet long and more than 4 feet wide It weighs about 2,000 pounds It will sit at the highest point of the park.