NEWBURYPORT WATERFRONT – The arrival home of a clipper ship in the early days of this city meant a lot to the maritime economy.
Now, the arrival of Aaron T Stephan’s clipper ship sculpture on the waterfront, heralding the city’s past, is likely to draw cash-totting tourists for the shops and restaurants.
Stephan’s clipper ship has been berthed a few feet from the Merrimack River, just in time for the summer season. Stephan was awarded the commission by the Public Art Commission, beating out 20 other artists.
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 made up 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. ♦
