Manitowoc’s Rahr West Museum has a new work of art in its possession: this time on the East Lawn at 610 North 8th Street.
The addition of Makili, a full-size horse sculpture created by renowned American artist Deborah Butterfield, comes to the lakeshore via New York State and is a major addition to the museum’s collection according to Executive Director Greg Vadney.
“He’s seasoned,” Vadney explains. “We’re gonna have to work on his accent just like when we came from New York I had to work on my accent. But I’m sure Makili is going to find a wonderful and receptive audience here in Manitowoc. And, we’re really thrilled to be able to share her with the community.”
Makili was sculpted in 1996 by Butterfield in her Hawaii studio.
The sculpture “appears to be wood but is actually bronze” allowing for it to permanently reside outdoors.
Vadney explained this is a permanent exhibit.
This is going to be in front of the Rahr West Museum forever,” he says. “So it’s a wonderful opportunity to share with our community , and with everybody who comes to visit, tens of thousands of people each year come to visit the Rahr West Art Museum. It allows for all of those people from around the country to recognize what level of fine art we have here in Manitowoc.”
The name Makili is Hawaiian, meaning “to appear through a crack to come to light.”
The acquisition is a gift of the Ruth St. John and John Dunham West Foundation which purchased it from a pair of New York Art Collectors.
An exclusive members’ dedication of the sculpture took place last (Friday) evening at the Rahr West.
