The Gentle Giant, Grass Valley, CA
N 39° 12.492 W 121° 04.462
10S E 666260 N 4341647
This impressive and massive monument depicts a Draft horse, symbolic of all the horses used to tame and settle California.
Waymark Code: WMBKK8
Location: California, United States
Date Posted: 05/30/2011
Views: 7
The plaque reads:
"Known for its strength,
admired for its beauty,
loved for its gentleness
Embodied in the boldly powerful gentle giant are the timeless qualities of strength, perserverance, gentleness and the ability to pull together. Those qualities enabled the pioneers to overcome obstacles that threatened their survival. Those same qualities empowered our community to convert the dream of Cosa Mikiska into a reality-the dream of a monument dedicated to our pioneering heritage.
This public art project symbolizes the spirit of California's pioneers and provided a tribute to the work horse which played a major role in the developement of the Gold Country and the Sierra Nevada. It stands for a time when California's river, mountains and forests provided plentiful resources-a time to remember, respect and preserve.
Modeled primarily after a local Belgian draft horse named Kate, the sculptor employed extensive research to create an authentic representation of the early 1900's tack. It is the largest bronze monument of its kind in the State of California, at the time of its unveiling.
Preserverance and team work, qualities innate in the work horse and the pioneers, were crucial to making the gentle giant monument a reality. It was developed through the efforts of community volunteers and funded almost entirely by public funds raised through contributions commemorated on the attached plaques.
Sculptuor/artist Todd Andrews contributed not only his skill and talent, but also and enduring commitment to this project through seven difficult years to its completion. Laurie McIntosh and Deborah Ann Bridges provided exceptional support through their voluntary efforts.
The Gentle Giant was inspired by our pioneering ancestors, is dedicated to our future generations and its symbolic of a community pulling together."
Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: The Gentle Giant
Figure Type: Animal
Artist Name or use 'Unknown' if not known: Todd Andrews
Date created or placed or use 'Unknown' if not known: 7/21/1996
Materials used: Bronze
Location: Grass Valley, CA
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