Portsmouth 400th legacy sculpture “Endeavor” nears completion for Bohenko Park
PORTSMOUTH — The Portsmouth NH 400 legacy sculpture project is nearing the final phase as the anniversary year winds down. The city Department of Public Works has begun site preparation for artist Sijia Chen’s signature sculpture, “Endeavor” with installation expected in the next few months.
The sculpture will be part of a maritime-themed sculpture garden in Bohenko Gateway Park adjacent to the Piscataqua River. Chen’s design was unveiled in March as PNH400’s legacy gift of public art to be installed in the park in the fall of 2023.
Chen conducted a series of sessions to collect residents’ ideas for the iconography to be included in the papercut designs for the stainless steel sails in the sculpture. Themes connected to Portsmouth’s maritime history — from an Indigenous peoples’ canoe to a clipper ship to the Albacore submarine — are incorporated in her design. Educational signage at the site will explain the themes and their historical context. Information is available at endeavorforportsmouth.com.
Chen worked with her team on the fabrication of the 20-foot tall piece and the engineering required to install it. The sculpture will be placed in a grassy area in Bohenko Park adjacent to Market Street Extension, where it will be visible from Market Street and Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. Organizers hope more sculptures will be added to the park in the future.
Chen is a multi-disciplinary visual artist who has created permanent public art works in China and in locations across the United States, including Claremont, California, and North Kansas City.
Valerie Rochon, PNH400 managing director, credited the committee led by Ernie Greenslade for bringing the project toward completion.
Members of the Legacy Task Force include: Ernie (Ernestine) Greenslade, chair; Nancy London, Barbara Massar, Judy Miller. The Sculpture Review Team members include: Barbara Massar, executive director/Pro Portsmouth (chair); Elizabeth Farish, chief curator, Strawbery Banke Museum; Lennie Mullaney, artist; Nancy Carmer, city of Portsmouth/retired, economic development/Art-Speak liaison/public art; Tom Watson, esquire, retired and Leah Woods, UNH associate professor UNH Woodwork, Furniture.
PNH400 raised over $100,000 to cover the design, fabrication, transportation, documentation and installation expenses including installation insurance. Donors to the project include a gift from the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation’s Joseph G. and Jean E. Sawtelle Fund in memory of Joseph G. Sawtelle, Portsmouth NH 400th, Inc., Sue and Bob Thoresen, M. Christine Dwyer, The Kane Company, The Dana and Shaula Levenson Family, The Fuller Foundation and Jack and Pam Blalock in Memory of L. Richard and Barbara M. Blalock.
To learn more, including how to donate, email sculpture@portsmouthnh400.org or visit the Portsmouth NH 400 website.
This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth 400th legacy sculpture “Endeavor” nears completion
