NEWBURYPORT WATERFRONT – The arrival home of a clipper ship in the early days of this city meant not only great wealth for locals, but also that fathers and brothers were returning home after months at sea.
In 2025, the arrival of Aaron T Stephan’s clipper ship sculpture, Sail Trace, on the waterfront park, heralding the city’s past, is expected to its own boom to the local economy, drawing tourists for the downtown shops and restaurants.
Stephan’s clipper ship is berthed in Market Landing Park a few feet from the Merrimack River, just in time for the summer season. Stephan, who works in a studio two blocks from the working Portland, ME, docks, was awarded the commission by the Public Art Commission, beating out 20 other artists.
Last week, Stephan with Mayor Sean Reardon and other dignitaries cut the ribbon, officially welcoming Sail Trace to its new home.
Born in Springville, NY, Stephan works in sculpture and mixed media. He often uses humor and wit to look at everyday objects “not as metaphors,…but [as] facts,” stated his web site, aarontstephan.com.
“I am really excited about this project,” he said at the time of the commission.
The budget for the sculpture was $75,000, which came from a grant.
The committee, which made the decision after interviewing the five finalists, was composed of Peter Carzasty, Paula Estey, Katherine Moran, Shanna Sartori, Cynthia Schartman, Kim Turner and Nichole Whelan. city Planning Director Andy Port, who oversees the entire park development, coordinated the project. ♦
