ATLANTA -- Two original classical sculptures, one entitled “Peace” and the other “Justice,” will arrive in the U.S. from Scotland in Savannah, Ga., in September prior to embarking on “A Monumental Journey” across the state (see schedule below).
These seated bronze sculptures, each approximately eight and a half feet tall and each weighing one and a half tons, are by internationally-renowned sculptor Alexander Stoddart of Scotland. Sponsored by the National Monuments Foundation, Inc. and The Coca-Cola Company, these world-class works of art will make their way across Georgia via horse-drawn caisson to their final destination and dedication at the site of The Millennium Gate in Atlantic Station in midtown Atlanta. Featuring a total of six classically designed bronze sculptural works. The Millennium Gate will be the largest national monument of its kind to be constructed since the Jefferson Memorial.
National Monuments Foundation has partnered with arts organizations in cities and small towns throughout Georgia to welcome the statues in each venue with various types of arts and civics events (see schedule below). At each location, local dignitaries and celebrities will drive the team of horses pulling the caisson for short legs of the trip as high school bands will play to announce the arrival at each destination.
“We are delighted to be able to have this opportunity to share these beautiful works of art with arts groups in the state as they move toward their final destination and dedication in Atlanta,” stated Rodney Cook, president of National Monuments Foundation, Inc.
The Millennium Gate will be situated in a beautiful lakeside park in Atlantic Station, a new “city within a city” located in Midtown Atlanta at the former site of the Atlantic Steel Mill. As the statues wind their way through the city in Atlanta on Oct. 26 and 27, the caisson will be driven by various celebrities, dignitaries, and notable personalities. When the statues arrive at their final destination in Atlantic Station on Oct. 27, a dedication ceremony featuring remarks by the sculptor will be held at 2 p.m. on the site. Special thanks will be given to the Wolford and Bagwell families for sponsoring the works of art.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
October 6 Savannah, Georgia Savannah International Trade Center 10:30 a.m. Statues arrive on barge accompanied by water salute. They are un-crated and cranes lift them onto river esplanade for public viewing. Local arts community and school children of Savannah welcome sculptures to oldest city in Georgia. Remarks by sculptor Alexander Stoddart and Rodney M. Cook, Jr.
October 8 Madison, Georgia Madison Museum of Fine Arts 6:30 p.m. Caisson driven by Mayor through downtown area to Madison Museum of Fine Arts. Statues will be the featured attraction at a fundraiser benefiting the museum – welcoming remarks will be made. Hosts will provide an outdoor wine and cheese reception. The caisson will stay overnight until 2 p.m. Oct. 9 for public to view. High school band will play.
October 13 Macon, Georgia Rotary Park 5 p.m. Macon Arts, NewTown Macon, Rotary Club of Macon and Midtown Rotary will host an outdoor wine and cheese reception. Local dignitaries including Congressman Jim Marshall to drive caisson down Riverside Drive from Central City Park to Rotary Park. High school band to play.
October 14 Fort Valley, Georgia Bandstand on Main Street Noon Mayor John Stumbo’s office will sponsor a barbeque for school children and the public with a welcoming ceremony at the bandstand. High school band will play. The Mayor will drive the caisson through downtown Fort Valley.
October 15 Athens, Georgia Lyndon House Arts Center 5 p.m. The arrival of the caisson will be part of Lyndon House’s “Tour Athens Art” with a wine and cheese reception hosted at the Lyndon House Arts Center. The caisson will be on display in front of the Arts Center and a high school band will play. Other hosts include the Athens Area Arts Council, the Classic Center Cultural Foundation, and the Georgia Museum of Art.
October 16 Watkinsville, Georgia Oconee Cultural Arts Foundation (OCAF) 3–7 p.m. Mayor of Watkinsville will drive caisson through downtown Watkinsville. Destination will be OCAF’s Annual Wine Fest fundraiser at Ashford Manor.
October 19 Pine Mountain, Georgia The ensemble will travel through downtown Pine Mountain at 4 p.m. to an outdoor event/program hosted by Pine Mountain Tourism and Callaway Gardens at 4:30 p.m. Remarks made by Bo Callaway and Edward Callaway as well as other local dignitaries at event. Parade to include High School marching band, ROTC color guard, convertibles and fire truck. Pine Mountain Mayor Joey Teel will featured team driver.
October 21 LaGrange, Georgia The caisson ensemble will traverse through downtown LaGrange at 3 p.m. on its way to an event held at the Hills & Dales Estate, the historic home of Fuller E. Callaway. Events surrounding the journey through LaGrange are being co-hosted by The Fuller E. Callaway Foundation, the LaGrange Troup County Chamber of Commerce, the LaGrange Downtown Development Authority and The National Monuments Foundation. The route through LaGrange will circle the town square and the city’s notable exact reproduction of the original Lafayette statue in Le Puy France.
October 22 Rome, Georgia “Marching through Time” Parade 10 a.m. The caisson ensemble will be featured in a town parade celebrating Rome’s Heritage Holidays events. School children dressed in period costumes, Fire Department, local musicians will be included. Caisson will be showcased at The Forum at the end of the parade.
October 26 Atlanta, Georgia All day Caisson driven by notable citizens through city of Atlanta. The trek will begin at Oakland Cemetery at 9 a.m. and include the following points of interest: birth home of Martin Luther King, Jr., State Capitol, Woodruff Park, Centennial Park, Fox Theater, Margaret Mitchell House, Woodruff Arts Center, Rhodes Hall and the Atlanta History Center.
October 27 Atlanta, Georgia Caisson driven across 17th Street bridge for 2 p.m. dedication at the site of The Millennium Gate in Atlantic Station (corner of 17th Street and State Street). The keynote speaker will be Governor Sonny Perdue.
