The Red Nun: a public sculpture's journey from NYC to the Florida Keys
In 2015, Jamie Emerson was selected to be one of 6 sculptors in the Model to Monument Program (M2M) a partnership between the Art Students League and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. Over the next year, he would work with engineers, the Parks Dept, metal fabricators, and master sculptor Greg Wyatt to fabricate and install a public sculpture on the Riverside Park South Waterfront. After building the structure, Jamie covered the over 300 sq. ft interior space with a mural depicting scenes of contemporary city life.
Following the sculpture's year-long installation in NYC, the piece was disassembled and transported to Marathon Key in the Florida Keys. The 17 damaged pieces went through a hurricane, and 2 years' waiting for a permanent home. Beginning in 2020, the sculpture was reconstructed at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center. On its walls artist James Emerson re-painted the more than 40 figures and portraits originally drawn from life, all of whom are engaged in the building of a collective society. The sculpture was originally titled The Bridge, a nod to the relationship that each of us builds constantly between ourselves and our community. It is a message of hope, and it is a space where all things are possible.
The Red Nun exists today thanks to the deeply committed efforts of many great people over 5 years, and was rebuilt at Crane Point by the Emerson family Bob, Bar, and Jamie.
Following the sculpture's year-long installation in NYC, the piece was disassembled and transported to Marathon Key in the Florida Keys. The 17 damaged pieces went through a hurricane, and 2 years' waiting for a permanent home. Beginning in 2020, the sculpture was reconstructed at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center. On its walls artist James Emerson re-painted the more than 40 figures and portraits originally drawn from life, all of whom are engaged in the building of a collective society. The sculpture was originally titled The Bridge, a nod to the relationship that each of us builds constantly between ourselves and our community. It is a message of hope, and it is a space where all things are possible.
The Red Nun exists today thanks to the deeply committed efforts of many great people over 5 years, and was rebuilt at Crane Point by the Emerson family Bob, Bar, and Jamie.