Torin Porter’s 12-foot steel sculpture, Astronomer, on view in front of AVA’s Carter-Kelsey Building since April, has been purchased by supporters who wish to remain anonymous and given to AVA for permanent display.
The sculpture was installed last spring in connection with an exhibition of Porter’s work at AVA. While it was created specifically for this exhibit, the artist generously agreed to have it remain on site until October.
Prominently on display near Bank Street, and easily visible to pedestrians as well as motorists, the sculpture immediately drew positive attention as well as requests for it to be exhibited for a longer period.
The donors who acquired Astronomer gifted it to AVA in celebration of the organization’s new Sculptural Studies Building, which is nearing its completion, as well as in acknowledgement of AVA’s Executive Director, Bente Torjusen, who is retiring in December after thirty years at the helm. The gift of the sculpture was announced on October 8 during a special event in the new building, when Torjusen was honored and when Porter, the sculptor who created Astronomer, was present.