Kill Devil Hills, NC
October 1, 2003

Gov. Mike Easley today announced that a life-size sculpture that depicts man's first flight will be erected at the Wright Brothers National Memorial, site of the First Flight Centennial Celebration in December. North Carolina artist Stephen Smith, whose works are on display throughout the nation, will create the bronze-and-stainless steel sculpture.

"This sculpture will capture a timeless moment, when we as a people took a giant leap and reached new heights," said Easley, who suggested that the piece be done for a more lasting remembrance. "It is such a fitting tribute to what the Wright brothers accomplished on our Outer Banks 100 years ago."

The sculpture is expected to be completed by Nov. 20 and installed on the south side of the Wright Monument by Dec. 1. The N.C. Department of Cultural Resources is using public arts program funding to pay for the $250,000 piece.

The work of art features the Wright flyer, with Orville Wright on board, as it started to leave the ground; Wilbur Wright, running alongside the plane; and John Daniels, a helper and Outer Banks native who snapped a picture of the plane as it went aloft. Daniels' photograph of the Dec. 17, 1903, first flight is considered one of the most famous in history.

"We are very excited by this sculpture," said Lisbeth C. Evans, secretary of the Department of Cultural Resources. "It will be a way for visitors to step back in time to that milestone moment when man first flew, and it will serve as a lasting legacy of the Wright brothers' vision and determination that led to the birth of flight."

Smith, who lives and works in Marshville, said, "I am honored to be asked to collaborate on the design of a sculpture that commemorates one of mankind's monumental achievements, that of flight. In this design, we are striving to create the excitement and energy of the actual moment of takeoff."

To achieve this, Smith said, the sculpture is designed on a scale that invites personal interaction of the viewer with the three primary elements - Wilbur, young Daniels, and Orville as pilot of the plane. "To create this cantilevered action in a 10,000-pound stainless steel airplane has been an exciting challenge for all involved," he said. "We trust the Wright brothers would be pleased with our efforts."

Permanent collections of Smith's work are on display at the Nicolas Roerich Museum in New York, the B.J. Palmer Museum in Florida, St. Joseph's Medical Hospital in Atlanta, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Duke University and Duke University Medical Center, among others.

Lawrence A. Belli, superintendent of the National Park Service's Outer Banks Group, said the new sculpture would enhance the park.

"The National Park Service is proud to accept this outstanding gift from the people of North Carolina," Belli said. "Smith's re-creation of the first flight will greatly improve the visitor experience at the park site."

The First Flight Centennial Celebration will be held at Wright Brothers National Memorial Dec. 12 through Dec. 17.

Contact:

Ernie Seneca
919.733.5612