The Sculpture Mile is officially launching in New London Saturday.
It’s a mile worth of professional sculptures starting around the courthouse and Garde Arts Center, continuing to Broad Street, onto Williams Street, all the way to the Lyman Allyn Art Museum, according to Bill Bendig, president of the Hollycroft Foundation that has been creating sculpture miles for 25 years.
When all is said and done, Bendig would ideally like to have 40 sculptures up through the city of New London.
“It’s an extension of the great tradition of public art in New London,” said New London Mayor Michael Passero.
It’s why he’s excited his city was chosen to host the 25th anniversary exhibition.
“It’s your arts and it’s your historic nature of the city that brings the people to New London,” Passero said.
Bendig told NBC Connecticut that he had his eye on the Lyman Allyn Art Museum. The mile of sculptures leads to there, where people will find ‘Snowman’ in front of the Deshon-Allyn House. ‘Snowman’ is created by famed artist Erwin Hauer, who also has another sculpture at the start of the mile.
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“Bill Bendig is a remarkable force of nature himself,” said Vera Harsh, director of external affairs for the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.
She said The Sculpture Mile complements the museum’s sculpture trail and highlights the city’s art scene -- which is debatably a hidden gem.
“We’re hopeful that it’s not only going to bring out New London County, but also bring out the commuters who travel between New York and Boston,” Harsh said.
The official launch of the mile is with the instillation of “Monk,” by renowned New Jersey artist Harry Gordon. It will be specially brought in with a crane.
Other exhibits include “Big Head Jimbo and Big Head Bimbo,” that sits near Hodges Square Park, “Insect in Flight,” by Leo Jensen that will light up at night around 239 Williams St., and “Let’s Play” by Nicholas Swearer that will be up in Williams Park.
Area businesses, like Mr. G’s Restaurant, are looking forward to the added foot traffic, too.
“Whenever you bring more people to an area, you’re going to get some falloff,” said owner George Gianakos.
There have been Sculpture Miles in Madison, Clinton, Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, among other towns.
Bendig said sculptures are up for a minimum of one year, but usually two years. However, The Sculpture Mile in New London could last even longer.
