"Once Upon a Time..." starts most any tale worth telling
Stories of derring do, or fairy tales of bad-dude quelling
Every parent knows, the bond of reading is tight
Part of so many rituals -- as the ones that end, "Good night."
Capturing a moment well understood by any book (and child!) loving parent, this touching bronze sculpture of a mother reading to her squirming pre-K child. Both are curled up on a couple large classics, including one by Shakespeare.
Placed appropriately in front of the Salado Public Library, this sculpture is part of a tribute to Dr. Betty Jane McConnel, who co-founded the Salado Public Library.
Dedicated in December 2008, the bronze sculpture is one of an edition of 10 by award-winning Texas sculptor Ronnie Wells.
The bronze portion is 36x24 inches, and set upon a 'wedding cake' of 3 concrete slabs (the lowest slab is basically a footer for the top two rectangles). A simple bronze plaque on the front vertical surface of the topmost 'cube' reads:
Dedicated in Memory of
Betty Jane McConnell
Co-founder and Volunteer of Salado Public Library
2008
A larger plaque on the horizontal surface of the middle rectangle reads:
"ONCE UPON A TIME"
BY RONNIE WELLS
followed by more information on the dedication, and three columns of acknowledgements.
About the Dedication: (
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Salado Public Library Dedication of the bronze sculpture “Once upon a time” commemorating co-founder of the Salado Public Library, Dr. B.J. McConnell. The event is on December 6 [2008] at 11 a.m. on the grounds of the Library, 1151 North Main Street, Salado. RSVP at 254-947-9191.
About the Sculptor, Ronnie Wells: (
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Artist Biography
Mr. Wells received a degree in fine arts from Louisiana Tech University in 1968. He has been a full-time professional artist for over twenty years. Ronnie and his wife Patricia, reside in Salado, Texas where they own and operate Wells Gallery.
Due to his unique ability to paint and sculpt, Mr. Wells has become a mainstay at wildlife exhibitions across the country. The pursuit of perfection and constant desire to seek realism has cemented his foothold as one of the nation's premiere wildlife artists.
Being an avid flyfisherman and duck hunter most of his life, Mr. Wells infuses a sportsman's insight in all his artwork.
Over the past few years Mr. Wells has become one of North America's top monumental bronze sculptors. One of his most recent monumental bronzes (a seven foot piece of two mallards landing) can be viewed at the Ducks Unlimited corporate headquarters in Memphis, TN.
Two links to the sculpture itself: (
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If you're curious about Dr McConnell see her Salado Voice Obituary 2008 (
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