VOL. XVI, NO. 3
NOVEMBER 8, 1974
Spirit Statue
Our School's Loin-Clothed Friend
Our School's Loin-Clothed Friend
If you look above the main entrance, you will see a statue expressing the "Spirit of Maine West." If any of you ever wondered where this golden colored statue came from, this article will explain its origin.
It all started back in February 1963 when Mr. George Blanas, Art Department chairman, and a talented senior named Todd Riddell discussed the possibility of doing a piece of art work to display somewhere in the school. Ideas and sketches were thought over for a few weeks until what you see now was decided upon.
The steel skeleton was welded together in the Industrial Arts room. Chicken wire was placed around the steel skeleton for the shape of the body form. Burlap was then dipped in plaster and placed around the chicken wire to give the statue strength. For the final touches two coats of sculp‑metal was put on for the skin. This 200‑pound hollow statue was then sprayed with gold paint and polished with steel wool to give it its final touch of beauty.
"I think that the statue represents all aspects of the school," said Mr. Eldon Burk, assistant principal. The Mohawk Indian stands for strength and sports. The lamp of knowledge symbolizes learning.
"He had fantastic talent, and I think his work is appreciated by all," said Mr. Blanas. Todd also did a sculpture that is now in the main office.
It all started back in February 1963 when Mr. George Blanas, Art Department chairman, and a talented senior named Todd Riddell discussed the possibility of doing a piece of art work to display somewhere in the school. Ideas and sketches were thought over for a few weeks until what you see now was decided upon.
The steel skeleton was welded together in the Industrial Arts room. Chicken wire was placed around the steel skeleton for the shape of the body form. Burlap was then dipped in plaster and placed around the chicken wire to give the statue strength. For the final touches two coats of sculp‑metal was put on for the skin. This 200‑pound hollow statue was then sprayed with gold paint and polished with steel wool to give it its final touch of beauty.
"I think that the statue represents all aspects of the school," said Mr. Eldon Burk, assistant principal. The Mohawk Indian stands for strength and sports. The lamp of knowledge symbolizes learning.
"He had fantastic talent, and I think his work is appreciated by all," said Mr. Blanas. Todd also did a sculpture that is now in the main office.
