One of the project goals was to create an artwork that expressed the energy and vitality of Jordan Skate Park and the people who use it. Ellison’s colorful sculpture, which is about 30 feet high, is also a “marker” for the location of the skateboard facility, providing optimum visibility from the street and the park. In Ellison’s project overview he stated of the sculpture, “It is designed to be a positive, intriguing, and fun work tailored specifically for the youth who encounter it and yet provide imagery which is general enough to appeal to all members of the neighborhood.”

Born in Michigan, Ellison acquired his BFA and MFA degrees from Michigan State University. He has permanently sited commissions across the country. Ellison first worked in ceramics. He taught at Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, College of Marin and San Francisco Academy of Art College. He migrated to large scale sculpture. He was recognized for his love of whimsy and colorful palette. Ellison passed away in September 2012.

Poetry: Mark Strand

Design: Stephen Goldsmith, Landmark Design and EDA

This artwork was part of the Gallivan Plaza renovation project.

“The Children of Light was an important symbol of the Salt Lake City Olympic Games, representing the youth of the world and hope for the future.  In hosting the best games ever, it was the volunteers–whether cast members in the Opening or Closing Ceremonies, or others who performed a myriad of tasks–were a key to its success.  Hundreds of young people from Salt Lake and throughout Utah participated as Children of Light.  This sculpture is in tribute to these cast members and all of the volunteers of the 2002 Winter Olympics and Paralympics, and a reminder to our entire city of the idealism of youth that is the best of the Olympic spirit.”

A child, holding a lantern, battled and overcame a storm—representing life’s adversities—because he found the courage to summon an inner force, the Fire Within.  He shared his power with other children, who spilled into the stands [of Opening Ceremonies] with their lanterns.  This Child of Light became “a little thread that went through all this tonight,” said American astronaut and former senator John Glenn, chosen as one of the eight Olympic flag bearers.  “He kept coming back and that’s really what this is all about, encouraging young people to strive for excellence and do their very, very best.”  The Child of Light led in the parade of athletes…

And the final chapter of the story of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games was concluded with the Children of Light, who had symbolically carried the fire within during the past two and a half weeks… The Child of Light passed his lantern to a child from Torino, representing the transfer of hope, peace and honor to the next host.

—The Fire Within, The Official Commemorative Book of the Salt Lake 2002 Olympic Winter Games, ã SLOC, 2002, pages 18 and 396.

 

This project was created to recognize the importance of our parks. Artists photographed visitors to the park, talked with them and incorporated their brief story into the plaques.

Plaque text: What kind of football team was the 1991 West Side Bantams of Riverside Park? “They lost a lot of close ball games,” says Coach Ted Davis.

Despite losing, these 13-year-olds were serious about the game. Their offensive strategy was to run the ball to set up the pass. But Coach Davis had another strategy – “to teach the players the value of discipline and ot build their self confidence.”

The parks. They’re all about growing.