Brock commissions sculpture artist

Posted June 4, 2013  by Niagara This Week Source

$1 million bronze work funded by donation

 

Brock University honoured its namesake Tuesday, by commissioning a renowned Canadian artist to create a sculpture of Sir Isaac Brock.

During an event at the unversity, it was announced Danek Mozdzenski will create the bronze sculpture, which upon completion will stand on the university campus — just 16 kilometres from where Brock fell while leading his soldiers in the Battle of Queenston Heights.

The project is being funded thanks to a $1-million donation from local businessman David S. Howes, a long-time support of the university who is also a past-chair of its board of trustees.

Mozdzenski is known for his statue of Lester B. Pearson, which sits on Parliament Hill in Ottawa. He will begin work immediately on the Brock sculpture, which is scheduled to be unveiled next May in a major event launching the university’s 50th anniversary celebrations. The statue, once completed, will rise 15 feet from the ground and will have a prominent position on the North Mall of the campus in front of the Arthur Schmon Tower.

For Howes, the double-life-sized sculpture will fulfill many roles, including inspiring a sense of identity for students, serving as a treasured

landmark for Niagara-area residents, and become a destination for all Canadians who cherish the country’s history.

“This piece speaks to the character of Isaac Brock, his courage and leadership,” said Howes, adding, “it reflects the spirit of the students, staff and faculty of Brock University.”

University President Jack Lightstone said the iconic sculpture will exude a sense of strength and tradition, reflecting Sir Isaac Brock’s values and inspiration in a way that builds on the region’s rich history and geography.

“The university has

always been very proud to bear the name of Sir Isaac Brock,” said Lightstone, “and this exciting project will forever celebrate the milestone of our 50th anniversary.”

Lightstone said the university is grateful to Howes for his “vision and generosity”, as well as to others “whose dedication helped a dream come to fruition.”

Mozdzenski was selected from among 27 bids received, after a request for proposals earlier this year. They were reviewed by a selection committee, which assessed how well the submissions reflected the criteria set out in the RFP.

More to come.