Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Newburgh's "Freedom of Movement" was moved on Thursday from a temporary location in the middle of Broadway — which had to be cleared for the annual holiday tree — to a new location in the plaza of 280 Broadway, where spectators can get a closer look without running the risk of being hit by passing automobiles.
The sculpture, by artist James Johnson, takes its winter residence in a fitting setting that surrounds its elegantly simple, polished and engraved aluminum surface with space and the strong and simple forms of Mr.Cappelletti's newly-renovated, contemporary-style business and service hub.
The sculpture was captured for the city of Newburgh by the Newburgh Arts and Culture Commission as part of its acquisition program. Acquisitions Committee chair, Karen Conway, and Stuart Sachs, president of the NACC, who is also a sculptor, have worked with the artist, city agencies and government representatives to usher the sculpture's arrival, care, and placements.
The sculpture, which resembles the fin of a giant shark, is fundamentally an exercise in form. The title of the sculpture reveals the intent of the work, which is a paean to the adventure of free passage and adventure. There is much beauty in the intricacy and spiritual references of the engraved forms on the surface, and great subtlety in the interplay between the high gloss of the overall form and the shades of gray in the lines and images that have been introduced. An overall sense of mystery pervades.
Martha Zola, the city's interim Economic and Cultural Director, kept an eye on the proceedings as the sculpture was moved and installed. Mayor Nick Valentine joined the group to declare his pleasure at finding such an approprate new home for the sculpture.
Vincent Cappelletti, owner and president of Real Management Corp, expressed his delight with the placement of the sculpture. A great booster for the role of the arts in the development of the economy of Newburgh, Capelletti said: "I would like to see more focus on the development of the Broadway corridor, and I would like to help make this area more attractive to foot traffic visitors."
Mr Cappelletti began the building renovation about four years ago, along with the renovation of the adjacent building at 290 Broadway. He views the sculpture placement as a great addition to the modern, city-hub, forward-momentum message that the design of the building is meant to convey. The building continues to grow and expand as a neighborhood resource center.
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