Bronzes for the Blind: Sabu 1966 - 1981 - Tucson, Arizona
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Max and 99
N 32° 12.549 W 110° 55.224
12S E 507501 N 3563621
One of several Bronzes for the Blind sculptures in Tucson's Reid Park Zoo
Waymark Code: WM958C
Location: Arizona, United States
Date Posted: 06/30/2010
Views: 9
Reid Park Zoo has several Bronzes for the Blind sculptures that are designed to assist visually impaired visitors learn about the animals. Each one is about 18 inches wide, and most up to a foot tall, and is accompanied by an information plaque that includes a braille description of the animal. Each sculpture is located next to the habitat of the zoo animal it represents.
This Sabu sculpture honores an Asian elephant that was very popular among visitors at the zoo. The elephant is in a typical stance with the trunk curved downward toward his belly.
From the Smithsonian Art database:
Description:
A graceful C-curved image of the bull Asian elephant, Sabu. His ears are extended perpendicular to his head. He is in proper left profile with his proper left front foot bent at the knee. The proper left back foot is in front of the proper right back foot as if walking. Sabu's trunk curves down and toward the front in a C curve, as the tail curves to attach to the hind leg. Wrinkles on the elephant's body are shown. The tusks are short and extend away from his head. The sculpture is mounted atop a rectangular base with a slanted top front section.
Inscription:
Mark Rossi (On plaque on upper front of base, in English and in Braille:) "For Sabu, A bull Asian elephant who put the Reid Park Zoo into the minds and hearts of Tucsonians." Sculpture by Mark Rossi. signed
Dimensions:
Sculpture: approx. 10 1/2 x 13 x 5 in.; Base: approx. 44 x 30 x 18 in.
Remarks:
A sculpture of Sabu, a bull Asian elephant who lived at the Reid Park Zoo, and was well-loved by many Tucsonians. Sabu died in 1981. The sculpture is part of the Bronzes for the Blind, a project developed by the zoo to offer the blind tactile images of the zoo animals. Each sculpture is placed at hand-level where it can be touched. The project is an ongoing collaboration between the zoo and the artist.
TITLE: Bronzes for the Blind: Sabu 1966 - 1981
ARTIST(S): Rossi, Mark, sculptor. Sculpture Resource Studio, founder. Desert Crucible Foundry, founder.
DATE: 1987.
MEDIUM: Sculpture: bronze; Base: concrete.
CONTROL NUMBER: IAS AZ000593
Direct Link to the Individual Listing in the Smithsonian Art Inventory: [Web Link]
PHYSICAL LOCATION:
Reid Park Zoo: 1100 S. Randolph Way; Tucson, AZ
DIFFERENCES NOTED BETWEEN THE INVENTORY LISTING AND YOUR OBSERVATIONS AND RESEARCH:
none
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Visit Instructions:
Please give the date of your visit, your impressions of the sculpture, and at least ONE ORIGINAL PHOTOGRAPH. Add any additional information you may have, particularly any personal observations about the condition of the sculpture.