A walk in the park
Lord Featherwick looks out across the Arkansas River, like old Kaw-Liga, never saying a word. His face might look disinterested in all who walk by, but his feathers are all in display. So he sees something he likes. Could it be Dame Featherwick? If so, where is she?
Or maybe he’s just prepared for bad weather, hat and raincoat at the ready. Prepping for a rainstorm might look like true love for a turkey. Who among us humans can possibly know?
Lord Featherwick is a must-stop for most visitors. His very countenance is something to take back with you. And try to explain to those who haven’t made his acquaintance. How describe him? How describe the undescribable?
Herb Mignery’s creation on the bank of the river in downtown Little Rock is only one of the reasons to make your way to the sculpture garden there. Between Markham and the river you’ll also find Elwood, who is obviously up to no good. (Watch your wallet with him around.) And one of our favorites, “Forever Ready.” Because we’ve seen dogs like that before, waiting for the word to go, or maybe just “back.”
Then there are the real animals in the long, lengthy park. Human ones eating lunch on a bright fall day. The capital city’s sculpture garden is a great place to people watch.
Earlier this month, the city unveiled an expanded riverfront sculpture garden, with 66 pieces stretched out from the River Market to Broadway to points hither and yon. It’s a 5,600-square-foot addition that quadruples the park. And how could this land under a couple of bridges be better used? We can’t think of one.
“For a city our size, I don’t know of any place that has anything like this,” said Dean Kumpuris, city director and the park’s guiding light. City employees designed and landscaped the whole park, and Dr. Kumpuris thinks that might be without precedent.
The Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden was created back in 2009 with funds by the namesake’s foundation. Another donation from the same Vogel Schwartz Foundation allowed for this expansion.
The city’s park managers, planners, workers, leadership—all should be proud of this oasis of art surrounded by so much bustle. It was a pleasant walk on a pleasant afternoon. Those of us who work downtown look forward to many more strolls. As long as Elwood continues to keep his hands to himself.