‘Coat of Arms’ honors firemen

By: centraljersey.com
The City of Lambertville has a new piece of art welcoming those who travel along Route 29.
On Sept. 12, sculptor Katherine Clear, with the support of The Friends of Ely Park, unveiled her newest piece, "Coat of Arms," honoring the men and women of the local volunteer fire companies.
Ms. Clear discussed her inspiration and process for developing this eye-catching piece. "My design concept for the sculpture started by the investigation of the role of the fire department in the Lambertville community. I thought about what fireman do, why they do it, and the meaning it gives to them and the individuals they serve."
Having salvaged an old fire truck, Mr. Clear and her team worked to dismantle the truck and then used the pieces to sculpt a form, inspired by the Maltese Cross – a form that has come to the represent protection, honor, and heroism embodied by the local firemen.
Although native to New Jersey, Ms. Clear’s studio, Kat Clear Works in Metal, is located in Burlington, Vt., where she is also an active instructor at the University of Vermont and works with Rosie’s Girls, a community support program with a focus on teaching trades and technical skills to young girls.
The sculpture wall was a joint endeavor involving Ms. Clear, Jim Hamilton, Heather Martin, and Mark Shablin of The Friends of Ely Park Design Committee, and the architectural office of Michael Burns.
Through months of dialogue, the team was able to coordinate and construct the first piece of a series of modifications to Ely Park.
In the week leading up to the final dedication, Ms. Clear welcomed the support, encouragement and assistance from members of the surrounding community. "In those moments, besides the typical butterflies I get on installation days, I knew why I do what I do. Its not only the exhilaration I get from making sculpture, it is the people and experience that comes along with it, a community."
Immediately following the dedication ceremony, community members gathered for a block party on York Street, where guests dined on food and drinks, donated and prepared by local restaurants. The summer feast included plates piled high with lobster, clams, sausage, chicken, and corn-on-the cob. Funds raised by the event are going toward continued efforts to improve Ely Park.
Moving forward, The Friends of Ely Park are planning a series of developments that will shape Ely Park into a vibrant center for community recreation and leisure. For further information, visit The Friends of Ely Park at: http://friendsofelypark.org.