Rock Rest

Three days this week were devoted to dismantling and reassembling a sculpture titled ‘Rock Rest’. The piece was designed and constructed last December at my stone yard with the intention that it would eventually be installed at the Brattleboro Museum and Art Center’s new sculpture garden. On Sunday I numbered and catalogued the 50+ stones in the piece and transported them, by five truck and trailer loads, seven miles to Brattleboro. The stones were spread out across the parking lot in preparation for placement in the piece.

On Monday I excavated 18” of gravel, down to slate ledge, and began setting the stones at the desired angle and position. I had photos of the original piece and a plot drawing to orient their placement in the space between the museum and a neighboring building. Each stone was lassoed with chain and suspended from the loader bucket for setting in place.

By Tuesday morning, two of the three sections were completed and Rock Rest was beginning to look like its old self again. The piece will anchor the east side of the garden with an overlook toward Connecticut River and Wantastiquet Mountain. Soon to be installed at the west end of the garden is a metal sculpture by Jim Cole. Many of Rock Rest’s stones make good seats and perches for adults.  For kids, the piece will make a great place to expend some energy scrambling and climbing.

Many thanks to BMAC staff, garden committee and donors. Rock Rest could not have become a reality without their dedication and assistance. Special thanks to E and to Peter Mauss for photo documenting the process.