City Art Artfully Done
LARGER THAN LIFE Memorial sculptures by Charles Parks (Vietnam, this page) and Rick Rothrock (Clifford Brown, opposite page) blend art with history.
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CHARLES PARKS You step outside for a walk, some fresh air, or to eat lunch. Before you know it, you’ve seen one, two, or possibly more creations courtesy of Charles Parks, one of the city’s best-loved artists. Parks’ often larger-thanlife sculptures can be found at many resting areas, so if you’ve ever stopped to enjoy the scenery, you’ve probably caught yourself in the presence of one of his works. But there’s more to Parks’ sculptures than their size (indeed, one of Parks’ more famous pieces is Our Lady of Peace, in Santa Clara, Calif., which stands 32 feet). It’s the sense of comfort and respect that comes with being so close to them. Parks has earned a reputation for historical sculpture: In Brandywine Park,
he created the Vietnam Memorial (dedicated to Delawareans who served in the war) and the nearby African American Medal of Honor Recipients (honoring “supreme acts of heroism” during conflict). And Father and Son sits in Spencer Plaza, named for the former slave who founded the first black Christian church there. Parks applies a similarly delicate touch when constructing pieces of children and religious figures, which can be found in and out of the city, as well as in other parts of the country. RICK ROTHROCK Clifford Brown was one of the greatest musicians to ever come out of Wilmington. The jazz trumpeter was only 25 when he
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8 . CITY ART magazine
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