Steel Imaginations/The H-Art Gallery
category: Visual,
Artist Statement
Wilfredo worked on “The Children’s Sculpture” that involves area students in research of Peekskill’s industrial history. This work was completed in 1999 and installed near the entrance of the Blue Mountain Reservation in Peekskill, New York. Wilfredo received a grant from the Westchester Arts Council to collaborate with Poder America, to involve Ossining area youth in arts projects. Wilfredo completed fifteen works of recycled materials for installation as roadside art along Route 9, sponsored by Peekskill area industry. Global Land Materials Inc., of Brookhaven, Long Island commissioned Wilfredo to create a massive “globe” out of recycled metals for their facility.
Wilfredo’s art has received prominent media attention in regional press and cable TV broadcasts. By using recycled materials related to the communities where materials are found, Wilfredo’s art provides a powerful symbolic model for art as a focal point in urban renewal, emphasizing a revitalization of discarded and neglected resources.
Wilfredo and artist Jeffrey Schrier worked together on the development of several projects, including WINGS OF WITNESS, where Wilfredo provided technical development and support. The project will eventually involve more than 40,000 students nationally in making components of a memorial sculpture of 11 million soda can tabs, while learning about racism and tolerance.
Wilfredo’s most recent works include the William E. Shands Monument located in Peekskill, NY. This is a life size bronze sculpture that is the centerpiece of a community housing project entrance plaza. Wilfredo has also completed a life size steel abstract sculpture that is permanently installed at the Marist College Student Center in Poughkeepsie, NY.