Art in the Park

Date: 5/30/2010

“Heavy Load”  

The first bronze statue to appear in Pender’s Memorial Park depicts a young boy carrying his beloved terrier. The dog is too big for the toddler to carry comfortably but his love for the pet is evident as he holds on dearly. A treat is tucked into the boy’s back pocket – a reward perhaps for when they reach their destination.

Just looking at the boy’s face as he and his dog share a moment tells you that they have a special relationship. “This is what drew us to this piece of art in the first place,” explains Rita Powell. She and her husband, Dr. Don Powell, had been eyeing the bronze for a couple years before they bought it for Pender.

“The terrier in the bronze reminded us of our own – and once you’ve loved a terrier, you’re just hooked,” she says.

 Corinne Hartley is the artist who captured the love between the boy and his dog in this beautiful piece of art.

“Pender’s Fancy”

This graceful filly is the most recent addition of the park, purchased in 2009. The life-size newborn frolics with all the joy and elegance of a real equine, prancing on the green and delighting in the day. Her polished nose dares you to touch its velvety softness – and some say she nuzzles you back when you do.

“While we are a small animal practice, many of our clients and staff have horses and love horses,” Rita Powell explains, “Dr. Powell started riding at the age of 2 – and he taught me how to ride on one of his ponies when we were in high school together.  So after admiring this little filly for 5 or 6 years, we decided to bring her home to Pender to stay. She’s been a popular favorite every since.”

Artist Silvia Davis says her animal artwork is designed to show their heroic qualities. She strives to reveal their magic, their grace, their integrity and their capacity for understanding.

Shoeshoe Hare

A third bronze statue adds charm and delight to Pender’s park – a bronze bunny. Poke around and see if you can find her…she hops around from time to time so don’t be surprised to find her in a new spot each time you visit!  Artist Georgia Gerber was surely a rabbit fan.