As part of our exciting new Art in the Park initiative, the Conservancy welcomed its third Benchmark sculpture, “Clunie Spiral”, to Waveny Park on Thursday, November 7th. The new sculpture has been placed near the top of the sledding hill leading to Anderson Pond, along the edge where the Lapham’s old swimming pool was installed. A permanent base still needs to be installed and final positioning tweaked but delivery and unloading went smoothly thanks to our New Canaan town partners at the Parks and Recreation and Highway Departments. “Clunie Spiral” is generously donated by Kathy Megrue-Smith. A formal unveiling and dedication is planned for the future.
“Clunie Spiral” is the third in a series of Benchmarks planned for the Park. Sculpted by the Scottish artist, Nigel Ross, the first two sculptures arrived at the Park in early 2024 as part of a long-term plan for select organic outdoor sculptures. “Crossways” sits on the knoll at the north end of Jeniam Meadow and “Arbor” borders the lawn and Upper Meadow at the back of the house. While Ross has a couple of his sculptures in the United States, the Park’s plan for a Benchmark Trail consisting of a total of five of Ross’s sculptures is unique. As functional art, they are designed to be sat and climbed on and we encourage you to bring your children to experience them. All three sculptures are approximately 11 to 12 feet long and weigh half to three quarters of a ton.
We are grateful for the efforts of our former board member and colleague, Charles Crookenden, who worked tirelessly to bring the Benchmark program to Waveny. A fourth sculpture is already on order as a tribute to him.
