Sculptor Selected for Art in Park at Police Cove in Barrington

A Cranston sculptor was selected Monday night, July 22, to create the $30,000 piece of public art for the new Barrington park at Police Cove.

Wright Deter was chosen unanimously from among five finalists who discussed their proposals in person and on Skype with the committee that has been designing the $715,000 park near the Andreozzi Bridge over the Barrington River with consultants from Vanasse Hangen Brustlin Inc. of Providence.

Deter was one of two artists who appeared in person in the School Committee Room in Town Hall. He actually was selected from an initial patch of 97 applicants.

His proposal depicts a “representational” boat that shows the sailing heritage of Barrington. Here are some written excerpts about the artwork from Deter’s proposal:

“The sculpture invites the viewer to join the figures, to sit among them and lean back between the figures: to imagine that they too are sailing on the water.  The sculpture also invites park patrons to observe others as they engage with the sculpture or to have their picture taken while visiting the park with friends.” 

“The Town of Barrington is surrounded on three sides by water and many of its residents - both summer and year-round - enjoy sailing and the water as a pastime.  It is my belief that my sculpture will call attention to and celebrate Barrington’s connection to the water and water-related pastimes.”

“I intend for the sculpture to be representational but not realistic. In the event that I am commissioned by the committee to build this sculpture, I intend to make a model of the finished form, in order to resolve all aesthetic proportions and choices. I am willing to present the model to members of the committee for discussion.”

Deter was the only one of the finalists to tell the committee that he would make a model of the public art. That seemed to score quite a few points with the committee members.

Deter said he plans to fabricate the sculpture from aluminum and stainless steel because both materials hold up well in conditions near the ocean. The aluminum will be powder coated for the maximum amount of durability, he said.  There should be little maintenance required.

The sculpture will be mounted on a 4-inch concrete slab.  The 16-foot circle designated for the sculpture will be covered with a ¾-inch bluestone or flagstone in a random pattern.  The stone will represent the waterline and its relationship to the boat. 

The hull and the boom will be anchored to the concrete slab.  There will be few rigging elements so as to discourage people from attempting to climb the sculpture.

Deter’s plan is to bring the sculpture onto the site on the flatbed or a crane truck and lift it from the truck into its final position.  The sculpture is expected to weigh approximately 1,500 pounds.

Criteria for the sculpture includes that it be made of durable materials, require low maintenance, relate to the space, and not be a distraction or cause controversy.