Heavy D-Inspired Public Sculpture Unveiled in Mount Vernon
A monumental new public art sculpture was unveiled yesterday in Mount Vernon. Peaceful Journey, by artist Eto Otitigbe was commissioned through an open competitive process managed by ArtsWestchester for its permanent home at the new 42 Broad building.
The site-specific sculpture artwork was inspired by the music of rap legend and Mount Vernon native Heavy D, and represents how harmony and balance can be achieved
even during times of change. Transition runs as an overall theme throughout the harmonious archway that transitions from a marble pillar on one end to a COR-TEN steel pillar, which changes color with time, on the other end. Connecting the two is a honeycomb structure that, to Otitigbe, represents community.
The April 27 unveiling brought together ArtsWestchester, developers of 42 Broad (Alexander Development Group, The Bluestone Organization and institutional investors advised by J.P. Morgan Global Alternatives), artist Eto Otitigbe, the City of Mount Vernon, Mount Vernon mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, and the family of Heavy D.
Situated at a highly visible plaza at the corner of Broad Street and Fleetwood Avenue, Peaceful Journey will be on view for pedestrians, as well as drivers exiting and entering the Cross County Parkway.
Photo credit: Mary Alice Franklin, L2 Web Media Group
About ArtsWestchester
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State. Its mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. ArtsWestchester provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County. ArtsWestchester helps fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; brings artists into schools and community centers; advocates for the arts; and builds audiences through diverse marketing initiatives. In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.
