The Red Nun: a public sculpture's journey from NYC to the Florida Keys
In 2015, Jamie Emerson was selected to be one of 6 sculptors in the Model to Monument Program (M2M) a partnership between the Art Students League and the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. Over the next year, he would work with engineers, the Parks Dept, metal fabricators, and master sculptor Greg Wyatt to fabricate and install a public sculpture on the Riverside Park South Waterfront. After building the structure, Jamie covered the over 300 sq. ft interior space with a mural depicting scenes of contemporary city life.
Following the sculpture's year-long installation in NYC, the piece was disassembled and transported to Marathon Key in the Florida Keys. The 17 damaged pieces went through a hurricane, and 2 years' waiting for a permanent home. Beginning in 2020, the sculpture was reconstructed at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center. On its walls artist James Emerson re-painted the more than 40 figures and portraits originally drawn from life, all of whom are engaged in the building of a collective society. The sculpture was originally titled The Bridge, a nod to the relationship that each of us builds constantly between ourselves and our community. It is a message of hope, and it is a space where all things are possible.
The Red Nun exists today thanks to the deeply committed efforts of many great people over 5 years, and was rebuilt at Crane Point by the Emerson family Bob, Bar, and Jamie.
Following the sculpture's year-long installation in NYC, the piece was disassembled and transported to Marathon Key in the Florida Keys. The 17 damaged pieces went through a hurricane, and 2 years' waiting for a permanent home. Beginning in 2020, the sculpture was reconstructed at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center. On its walls artist James Emerson re-painted the more than 40 figures and portraits originally drawn from life, all of whom are engaged in the building of a collective society. The sculpture was originally titled The Bridge, a nod to the relationship that each of us builds constantly between ourselves and our community. It is a message of hope, and it is a space where all things are possible.
The Red Nun exists today thanks to the deeply committed efforts of many great people over 5 years, and was rebuilt at Crane Point by the Emerson family Bob, Bar, and Jamie.
Sunrise on The Red Nun at Crane Point Museum and Nature Center
a detail of one of the columns in the interior of the strucutre
Interior view
The Red Nun at night
Artist Jamie Emerson painted the murals for "Bridge" from life, using models.
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The sculpture in its previous installation in Manhattan NYC, 2016.
Interior view featuring paintings executed in perspective for viewers centered in the space.
The artist installing one of the four columns in the corner of the structure.
Detail of the Interior
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