The first large section of Larry Griffis III's Energy Weave sculpture went up on the side of Rigidized Metals Corporation's recently completed 20,000 sq. ft. building today.
Griffis said this sculptor's dream project is "one of the most exciting projects I've ever been involved with." At 80 feet in length and soaring 40 feet high, it's also one of the largest. We caught up with Rigidized CEO Rick Smith in Milo's Diner earlier this week, and he was pretty excited himself at the prospect of the installation.
Smith has great affinity for Buffalo and even more civic pride where the 1st Ward is concerned. "We don't have much art down here...and Larry and I were keen to change that. We wanted to build something special, something new, something to take a little pride in."
Considering the sculpture is representative of the what Griffis and Smith are each best known for - sculpture and steel, respectively - they certainly can take pride in the completed work.
Designed to catch sunlight that will give it virtual movement, Energy Weave will be easily seen from Route 5. Depending on weather and other factors, the sculpture should be installed in its entirety within the week. See here for a map if you'd like to drive down and take a closer look.
Top photo: Smith in cowboy hat. Bottom photo: Griffis on right.
With all the empty land within city limits, there is room for a real sculpture park in Buffalo.