FOR RELEASE: CONTACT: Loretta O’Donnell (609) 265-5028 or Tuesday, June 14, 2005 Janet Hines, NJ TRANSIT (973) 491-7078
NATIVE AMERICAN EAGLE UNVEILED AT PALMYRA First Sculpture to Land at Burlco River LINE Stations
Burlington County Freeholders and NJ TRANSIT unveiled the first of 15 six-foot decorated eagle sculptures today at the Palmyra River LINE station, as part of The Eagles Have Landed project to promote the arts and tourism in the riverfront communities. The eagle was decorated to symbolize the Rankokas Reservation of Westampton and other Native American tribes in New Jersey. The eagle was a collaboration by three artists, Roland Gruszewski, Hollis Citron and Abbie Gray, who covered the fiberglass mold in colorful ceramic tiles, with a gold beak and talons, and river rocks on the base to look like the natural river’s edge. “We called it Soaring Reflections because its chest is covered in mirrors so people can see themselves as a part of all the native people of New Jersey,” Gruszewski said. (more) PRESS RELEASE, FIRST EAGLE UNVEILED, 6-14-05, ADD ONE The public art project is spearheaded by Burlington County Freeholders and NJ TRANSIT, in partnership with local businesses and nonprofit organizations. Freeholder Theresa Brown said, "This is an exciting day to see the first of these much anticipated, beautiful eagles arrive in Burlington County. It’s a wonderful sight, and the project is a great opportunity to showcase the arts and promote tourism along our riverfront. While similar animal art exhibits have been done in cities and other areas, Burlington is the first county in New Jersey, to our knowledge, to conduct such a project, and one of the first counties in the nation." Joyce Gallagher, assistant general manager for Light Rail Contract Services, said, “This art project is a great way to promote tourism in this historically rich area, and the best way to see these beautiful sculptures is to ride the River LINE. NJ TRANSIT is a proud supporter of the arts and we’re pleased to be a partner in this project.” Senator Diane Allen, honorary co-chair of the Eagle Steering Committee, said, “This arts project will accelerate the economic momentum started by the River LINE for our river towns. These eagle sculptures provide opportunities for local artists to
showcase their talents while raising much-needed funds for local art, cultural and historic preservation organizations.” Gruszewski, a Pemberton Township native, works for the Burlington County Times, which sponsored two eagles. Citron and Gray are co-owners of the House of Clay in Collingswood. (more) PRESS RELEASE, FIRST EAGLE UNVEILED, 6-14-05, ADD TWO Local artists, whose eagle designs were selected by sponsors, will be completing the remaining eagles to arrive soon at 10 River LINE stations in Burlington County. The other stations are located in Beverly, Bordentown, Burlington City (2), Cinnaminson, Delanco, Florence, Riverside, Riverton and Roebling. Additional eagles can be seen at Palmyra Cove Nature Park and Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton. The eagles will remain on public display until mid-September when they will
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flock to Palmyra Cove for an auction on October 1 to benefit nonprofit arts, cultural and historical organizations in the county.
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A Track the Eagles event will be held Saturday, August 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to encourage people to ride the River LINE, view the eagles and visit the riverfront communities. Local arts and cultural organizations are planning activities at River LINE stations throughout the day. For more information, call the Office of Cultural and Heritage Affairs at (609) 265-5068 or visit the county’s Eagles Have Landed website at www.co.burlington.nj.us/eagle . # List of sponsors, artists, eagle design themes and nonprofits attached.