Perhaps you've seen Tom Devaney in the window of his Pleasant and Main studio, carefully crafting away on a wire sculpture or a shiny metallic Peanuts character. But have you ever considered that he could be up there working on a sculpture – of you? This year's Friends Program Auction gives you a chance for just that.
For the showcase item in this year's auction, Devaney will create a one-of-a-kind figurative sculpture for the winning bidder. This could be a sculpture of yourself to adorn your desk, in the likeness of a loved one to create a family heirloom, or anything the winning bidder wants, really.
“We're really excited to have a piece that is commissioned,” Friends Program Director of Development Angela Sepela said. “Tom's been involved with the auction for a number of years, but this is an elevated level of commitment for this year's donation.”
According to Devaney, the piece will involve about 300 hours of work, from working from photographs (or the real subject), molding the statue from clay, casting it in Hydrocal and finishing it with a bronze patina. Devaney has created several of these commissioned figurative sculptures before. In fact, he even designed one for a member of the rock band Kiss! This time, however, it's your chance to be the rock star.
He said that the Friends Program is one of those charities that you just have to help out.
“I feel like charity starts at home,” Devaney said. “We're helping our neighbors and our friends. This is our community, they serve our community and they do good work. The auction is very important to the Friends Program.
Devaney urges those who might be interested in bidding on the piece to visit his studio at 3 Pleasant St. anytime, or call him at 774-0018.
“I want people to see what's possible and get involved,” Devaney said.
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