Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Sculpture |
Collection |
Metro Parks Tacoma - Permanent Collection |
Date |
1976 |
Description |
In the center of Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium rests a large bronze statue of three figures holding hands in a ring. "The Family" was created by local artist Clare Shaver and dedicated at the zoo on June 25, 1976. Shaver taught sculpture at South Park Community Center for many years, and when the opportunity arose to create a piece of artwork to mark the United States' bicentennial in 1976, she successfully submitted a proposal for "The Family". The statue project was sponsored by the Committee for Art in the Park and the President's Council of Women's Clubs. The funding came from a variety of sources including individual donors. Her sculpture represents the unity between a mother, father, and a child, interconnected yet independent. The artist intentionally left the statues featureless, and the textured surface of the bronze statue was designed to allow children to play on and around the figures. Today, visitors may still see young guests climbing on the sun-warmed bronze connecting with the art just as sculptor Clare Shaver intended. |
Location |
Point Defiance Park |
Object Number |
PDP-043 |
Creator |
Clare Shaver |
Web link |
Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium |