When Meggen Watt agreed to lend her front yard for the first “Arts in Foggy Bottom” outdoor sculpture project last year, she never anticipated what would follow: involvement in the sculpture’s creation and its effect on the neighborhood would lead to her subsequent purchase of this extraordinary, “commissioned” one-ton sculpture.
Watt teamed with internationally recognized sculptor Craig Schaffer. The bonding process between artist and property owner started with a conversation and space survey. Watt received a drawing from Schaffer of the design, from which point Schaffer went to his studio to do the construction. Months later, Watt returned from a business trip to find— presto—“Gallo Grande,” a ton of towering steel that appeared to sit lightly in the front of the painted brick rowhouse.
The de-installation of the work last October at exhibition’s end brought mixed emotions. Not only had the event brought a new dynamic to the community, but also Watt loved “her” sculpture. And though the economy was of concern, by March she decided to “celebrate.” She emailed Schaffer and bought “Gallo Grande” both for herself and as a gift to the neighborhood, as well. Artist, sculpture and crane returned for the final re-installation in April.
Watt, a busy 40-something professional, told the FBN about the surprising amount of foot traffic along the 800 and 900 blocks of 25th Street—the heart of FB’s Historic District—which she finds the most beautiful street in the District. “So many people stop and talk to me about the sculpture,” Watt says. There are even more “what do you think it is” conversations that she hears, literally, in passing. Then, there are the neighbors who stop by, wanting to get on the list to be one of the “hosts” for the next event.
Thank you, Meggen, for your wonderful “Gallo Grande” gift to FB.
You can visit “Gallo Grande” at 912 1/2 25th Street NW and learn more about the internationally commissioned and collected works of Schaffer at www.craigschaffer.com
