All Pawtucket All The Time

PAWTUCKET, RI (August 18, 2010)  Donald Gerola, a Pawtucket based artist was recently recognized by HarborArts, a Boston based non profit which recently held its International Large Scale Public Works Competition.  Gerola was one of 20 international artists recognized. An international call went out to artists last Fall and the competition was juried by Boston’s Institute for Contemporary Arts.  Each artist had a representative monumental work installed at East Boston’s Pierce Shipyard for the opening on June 12^th. 

HarborArts is a global community brining people together to champion the vital role that our oceans, waterways and harbors play in the future of the planet.  HarborArts uses monumental structure and public art displays to bring attention to issues and solutions that affect the quality of our harbors, waterways and oceans.  Steve Israel, Founder and Chairman of HarborArts stated, “To have an artist of Donald Gerola’s caliber participate in this competition is an honor.”

Many Gerola works recall the Buddhist prayer, Shanti: “Find peace in the sky, on land, and in waters. Let sustaining food bring us physical and spiritual peace. Let peace reign everywhere.” Some vaguely suggest yoga poses.

Gerola submitted a 40 foot piece weighing more that 10,000 lbs to be considered for the competition process.  His ability to marry art and science as a result of his background in physics allows him to venture into innovative territory.  Gerola was very humbled by the Harbor Arts Recognition as he was amongst very distinguished company.  Gerola stated, “This is a wonderful opportunity for Monumental Sculpture to be introduced into New England, as Boston is the hub of the Arts.”  Additionally he states that, “this could be the most significant event for modern sculpture, north of New York City!”

Gerola is a member of the International Sculpture Center and Kinetic Society.  His studio is located at 560 Mineral Spring Avenue, Pawtucket.