CHARLOTTE, N.C. (August 20, 2007) The largest standing lion sculpture in the world is en route from
California to Queens University of Charlotte this week, having just completed
its bronze casting at the Frostad Atelier foundry in Sacramento, Calif., on
Thursday.
The sculpture has not yet arrived in Charlotte and already it is creating a
buzz across the nation. Says Claire (Cookie Monster) Stoops, the truck driver for Buchanan Hauling & Rigging, Inc.
responsible for delivering the lion sculpture to Queens, It is developing a
following among the public. You would not believe how many people are slowing
down and taking pictures. At our stop in Amarillo, Texas, we had folks asking to
have their photo taken with the lion.
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Lion being loaded onto truck in
preparation for
its journey across the
U.S.
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The
sculpture is the work of world-renowned artisan Jon Hair and made possible by
the generosity of Queens benefactor Irwin Belk. I am proud of this sculpture
and consider it to be among my best works, said Sculptor Jon Hair. My
objective was to create a significant piece of public art which will impart a
strong sense of power, strength and pride. This lion is not just a mascot, but
more importantly symbolizes the long tradition of excellence at Queens. I hope
the Charlotte community and all those who visit the complex will greatly enjoy
it, and that it will inspire many generations of Queens athletes to winning
performances.
The worlds largest standing lion sculpture will travel approximately 600
miles per day on its way to its permanent placement at the Queens Sports Complex
at Marion Diehl Park on Tyvola Road. It is scheduled to arrive in Charlotte on
August 22.
The sculpture can be compared to the sitting lion sculptures in Londons
Trafalgar Square as well as those in Las Vegas and is traveling nearly upright
on a flatbed semi trailer and stands almost 14 feet high.
As part of the required bronze casting aging process, the lion is traveling
uncovered from Sacramento to Charlotte, exposing it to the natural elements
needed to help cure its coatings.
The Queens community is extremely excited about this gift and future
monument for our city, said Dr. Pamela Davies, president of Queens. Queens
leadership teams have great plans to welcome this sculpture with pride,
including a special dedication ceremony on September 27 to officially unveil
this dramatic addition to our sports complex.
The dedication event will also include several student activities, including
a tailgate cookout, and an opportunity to cheer the womens NCAA soccer team to
victory as they compete against Coker College.
Queens will invite Charlotte leaders, alumni, trustees, faculty, staff and
students to the September 27 dedication event. Please visit the Queens Web site for more details.
To visit the sculptors Web site, please click here.
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Printed from
www.Queens.edu.
Queens University of Charlotte
1900 Selwyn
Ave.
Charlotte, NC 28274
Phone: 704 337-2200
Fax: 704 337-2403
Thrive.
