FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Middle Country Library Dedicates an Innovative Fountain by James “Slim” Cook
Congressman Tim Bishop to Speak
OCTOBER 14, Centereach, NY-- On Friday morning, November 4, 2005, community leaders and patrons of the Middle Country Library will experience a feast for the eyes and the imagination during the dedication of “The Reading Garden Sculpture” created by Shoreham sculptor, James “Slim” Cook. Cook’s commission for the Library is a fountain that combines the fantastic with the intellectual while complementing the eye-catching materials and architectural elements of Long Island’s innovative, newly renovated library.
The Reading Garden Sculpture features a 15-foot tall copper “tree of knowledge” rising from an island flanked by two winged muses, a ship and several other elements, all of which are working, interactive fountains.
Says Cook, “My concept for the sculpture stems from the idea of the library as an island of inspiration in the community. I designed the interactive elements of the fountain to dramatize that people must work together to achieve the greatest effect.”
Cook, whose other larger-than-life sculptures grace the North Shore, Riverhead and Sachem Public Libraries, is know for his use of copper, aluminum and stainless steel figures that are as sophisticated in design as they are whimsical and appealing to library goers of all ages. A native of Tulsa and graduate of the University of Oklahoma, Cook holds a Master’s in Fine Arts from the prestigious Tyler School of Art at Temple University. His work has been featured at the Smithsonian Institution and the Museum of Modern Art as well as in collections from New York to London to Tokyo.
Speaking at the dedication to be held from 8:30 to 10:00 AM on November 4 will be the Honorable Congressman Tim Bishop, Michelle Isabelle-Stark, Suffolk County Director of the Office of Film and Cultural Affairs, and Amy Hagedorn of the Horace and Amy Hagedorn Foundation.
The project owes much to the dedication of Library Director Sandra Feinberg and the entire Board of the Middle Country Library.
For more information contact;
Sharon Breen - Assistant Director of Public Services and Human Relations
Phone: 631.585.9393 Ext. 202
