Today is National Dog Day. In celebration of that, today we shine the spotlight on two canine sculptures in the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden.
First is Dan Glanz’s Boris. Commissioned in 2010 and unveiled in 2011, this is a likeness of Boris Kumpuris, the dog and companion of Mary and Dr. Dean Kumpuris.
Glanz captures the friendly and inquisitive nature of Boris in this work, which can be found in the Vogel Schwarz sculpture garden. Most weekends Boris can be seen with Dean as the two walk through Riverfront Park and the River Market. Boris explores and inspects the park along with Dean. Each year during the Sculpture at the River Market show, Boris visits with Dean and meets all the sculptors.
The sculpture was donated by longtime Kumpuris family friend Margaret Clark. She and her late husband Bill were two of the earliest supporters of sculpture along the Arkansas River. They donated another piece in honor of their grandchildren. A sculpture in memory of Bill was unveiled last year and stands in the wetlands park which bears his name.
A few yards from Boris is Ken Newman’s Forever Ready. It depicts a hunting dog waiting but poised to spring into action. The sculpture was donated by the Sculpture at the River Market committee in 2009.
At a distance, this sculpture can appear simple. It looks to be simply a bell on a curved post. But upon closer inspection, Moore’s intricate design is apparent. The bell is covered with sunflowers delicately cast. The birds atop the bell are nuzzling each other in a sense of affection and protection. This subtle and powerful piece reflects one of the wonders of art – to offer different perspectives at different distances and angles.
Laurel Peterson Gregory’s Bunny Bump is featured in the Vogel Schwartz Sculpture Garden. Two stylized rabbits make for an interesting piece of artwork when they are not only dancing, but also doing the butt bump while dancing. The smooth surface and color of the bronze add to the illusion. This small piece has been placed on a pedestal to elevate more to eye level.
Little Rock Culture Vulture 