"While our monumental sculpture program is not unique to our municipality, it is certainly part and parcel to our City's beautification program. The 'Black Hawk' sculptures, by the talented sculptor Sandy Scott, were designed to be emblematic for the City of Black Hawk. These civic adornments are meant for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors alike and ultimately add to the 'Black Hawk' experience." stated Black Hawk Mayor, David Spellman.

Ms. Scott captures the spirit of her subjects using personal observation while incorporating a sense of motion and mood through her craft in the calm of the studio. She observes her subjects in the wild by taking thousands of frames of 35mm film and strives to retain the feeling and emotion she experienced while observing, sketching and photographing in the field. A licensed pilot for more than thirty years, she feels her knowledge of aerodynamics has been helpful in achieving the illusion of movement in her bird sculptures.

The City of Black Hawk commissioned the first of two 'Black Hawk' sculptures from Ms. Scott through The National Sculptors' Guild in February 2002. The second sculpture was commissioned in June of 2003. The sculptures took approximately two years to sculpt and cast. John Kinkade, Executive Director of the NSG worked exclusively with Ms. Scott to bring the City of Black Hawk's vision to fruition. The National Sculptors' Guild is an association of nationally recognized sculptors chosen for their outstanding artistic abilities and varied style. Their primary objective is to conceive, seek out and execute monumental placements for member's artworks. The NSG has successfully installed over 290 public art placements in 15 years, including additional placements within the City of Black Hawk. Ms. Scott's work can be seen throughout Colorado in Aspen, Avon, Beaver Creek, Brighton, Denver and Fort Collins and in many other municipalities throughout the United States.

With a wingspan of 14 feet the imposing 'Black Hawk' is perched atop a majestic rock at its new home in the Courtyard Patio of the Golden Mardi Gras Casino.

For more information visit www.cityofblackhawk.org or call 303-582-2292.

'BLACK HAWK' Sculpture Dedication
Hosted by the Golden Gates Casino Group

What: Dedication of the new 'BLACK HAWK' Sculpture

When: July 3 at 11:00 a.m.

Where: The Courtyard Patio of the Golden Mardi Gras Casino, 300 Main Street, Black Hawk, CO

Cost: Free admission and free parking

Melissa Greiner