Sculpture with images inspired by Ellis Ruley art chosen for Norwich downtown roundabout
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Apr. 29—NORWICH — A three-panel steel sculpture with scenes evoking images of Norwich African American artist Ellis Ruley could soon adorn the center of the downtown Norwich roundabout at Main and Franklin streets.
The City Council Public Works and Capital Improvements Committee Monday unanimously endorsed the sculpture, titled "The Promised Day" for the roundabout. The sculpture by Stonington artist D. Derek features three 4-foot wide, 8-foot-tall panels of galvanized steel, each depicting an image inspired by Ruley's colorful, fantastical folk art paintings.
Much of Monday's discussion focused on logistics, cost and public safety. The project is funded through the city's American Rescue Plan Act grant awarded to the regional Cultural Coalition. Derek's project will cost $25,000.
On Monday coalition Executive Director Wendy Vincent pledged to pay the estimated $2,000 to add lighting, another $2,000 for a one-foot-tall round concrete pedestal and a descriptive plaque to be placed adjacent to the nearby public benches erected in memory of former Norwich Community Development Corp. President Jason Vincent.
Still undetermined is the cost of a decorative pillar-and-chain barrier to surround the sculpture to discourage people from sitting or climbing on the artwork or touching it. Vincent will bring final costs estimates to the Public Works committee meeting at 4 p.m. May 20, and the committee is expected to bring its final recommendation to the City Council in June.
Derek told the committee he researched Ruley's artwork and even traveled to Massachusetts to meet with a family member.
The sculpture features three galvanized steel panels arranged as a triangle so they would be visible as viewers circle the roundabout. One panel, titled "Mother Nature," depicts a female figure seemingly in motion amid growing plants. The second panel, "Heroes," features an abstract horse rearing up with a rider leaning back with outstretched arms. The third panel, "Family," shows an adult and a child engulfed in stars.
The sculptures, collective weighing 2,400 pounds, would be bolted to the round base.
Derek submitted two of the three finalist designs, his second titled "Heart's Rose." The third proposal, "Prismatic Rosy," was submitted by Dave Lewis and Kate Bunce.
Derek said if the council gives the final approval, he will order the half-inch steel plates for the work and will begin by making a full-scale cardboard model and bringing it to the roundabout as a visual test before beginning the final work.
The Stonington native also produced two public art sculptures in the winter of 2022-23 in Stonington, "Starbridge" in Pawcatuck, commissioned by Ocean Chamber of Commerce and "Fish School" at the LaGrua Center. Both symbolize the benefits of communities working together and building bridges, Derek said.
He teaches art classes at Otis Library in Norwich for children ages 6 to 12.
"Everything I do has a strong social message of bringing social consciousness toward society, social cohesion and building bridges," Derek said.
