Friends,

The recent dedication of the Sculpture Garden of Alexander the Great at the Museum of European Art in Clarence, New York is the realization of a decades-long dream. It came about with the idealistic support of friends of art and artists from Europe and the United States.

The Sculpture Garden is a unique and growing project. Several new sculptures and busts of prominent personalities will be added every year. Eventually, we hope to achieve something great and of lasting artistic and cultural value.

Entering through the wrought-iron gate, one is greeted by the monumental bronze eagle PEACE, by the European sculptor Kurt Arentz. Then, the view opens up to a circle of 16 sculptures and portrait-busts of prominent personalities of the 20th century. Here stand, side by side, three American presidents: Ronald Reagan, George Bush, Sr. and Bill Clinton. Next to them are the surrealist painter Salvador Dalí and his wife Gala, the music conductor Herbert von Karajan and the inventor Wilson Greatbatch.

Beyond the circle of sculptures, in the far-right corner is a 'meditation gazebo', a peaceful place to sit down and relax or meditate, near the life-like bust of the great sage and humanitarian, Swami Rama of the Himalayas. Other sculptures on the opposite size of the garden include ODE TO JOY, inspired by Beethoven's 9th symphony, and KNIGHT, DEATH & DEVIL, after Dürer's famous painting. Other sculptures include OBERON, inspired by Shakespeare's play 'Midsummer Night's Dream', and CHRISTOPHER, the patron saint of animals and wildlife.

Returning back to the main gate, we approach several display walls, about 8 by 6 feet. Here, interesting reliefs in bronze and stone will be installed in the years ahead. On each wall, a special commemorative plaque will show the names of people who made donations to support the establishment and expansion of the Sculpture Garden.

We invite you to visit this unique and growing Sculpture Garden in Clarence. If you like what you see, you can show your support by becoming one of our donors. People who enjoy and appreciate fine art can donate $ 300 (couples, $ 500) and have their name included on the commemorative plaques. Or, one can make such a donation in memory of a deceased friend or relative.

We have never sought any kind of government support, and all that has been accomplished over the years is a result of an initiative of private individuals -- friends of art and culture. We look forward to your visit!

Sincerely,

B. John Zavrel

Director

The current exhibition SALVADOR DALI IN CLARENCE of 50 graphic works, sculptures and art objects by the great surrealist painter has been organized on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Dalí's death in 1989. Included are the 33 color woodcut illustrations to Purgatorio, the second part of Dante's poem 'Divine Comedy'.

Also on exhibition are selected works from the museum's collection: small bronzes by European artists, lithographs, etchings, and reliefs in bronze and stone.

© PROMETHEUS 144/2009

PROMETHEUS, Internet Bulletin - News, Politics, Art and Science. Nr. 144, June 2009