Artwork by Gary |
DEDICATION DAY
The dedication of my life-size bronze sculpture "Welcome to the Shields" AKA "Thunder Jack" occurred on June 16th at 4pm. As thunder storms were approaching Dennis Flath of the Bridger Mountain Men & Women gave a presentation on the history of mountain men in the central Rockies.
Near the conclusion of his speech it began to sprinkle but, when he raised his pistol to the sky and fired a round in salute to "Thunder Jack" and the Mountaineers, the clouds parted, the sculpture and crowd were suddenly bathed in sunlight and a flock of pelicans flew across the sky behind the sculpture doing aerial acrobatics.
At the same time 8 mountain men and women who had been atop the hill behind the crowd fired their rifles and began to make their way down the hill to become apart of the final ceremony where I gave a little speech thanking everyone involved in the creation of the sculpture.
My final words were... Even though my name is on this sculpture, for as long as he stands here, he no longer belongs to me. He is yours. To admire, to care for and if you feel the need, to wave at from time to time. He belongs to you now. The residents of the Shields Valley of Montana. Thank you all for your work and encouragement. It has been a privilege.
 Dennis Flath gives his presentation. |
 Gary gives his thanks to a long list of people. Photo by Steve Palmer |
 Shortly after completion and before the dedication Judy Jenkins snapped this photo on a foggy morning.
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 Some mountain men approach the site. Photo by Steve Palmer |
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Gary Kerby Art, WILSALL MONTANA 59086
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