Hartford's Bushnell Park To Unveil Majestic, New Sculpture

Bushnell Park Conservancy

HARTFORD, CT — The operators of a prominent city park will formally unveil a new sculpture next week currently adorning its grounds in Hartford.

The Bushnell Park Conservancy will unveil the White Oak Leaf Throne sculpture at 5:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 10, 99 Jewel St., Hartford.

Set to take place on the east side of Bushnell Park, near the pump house, the ceremony will feature many prominent city officials and artists.

"Bushnell Park’s newest sculpture is the White Oak Leaf Throne, a stunning piece of interactive public art created from the wood of the historic Hoadley Oak tree, a scion of the legendary Charter Oak," wrote the conservancy in a release.

Renowned Hartford artist Tao LaBossiere, who died unexpectedly Aug. 28, conceptualized this work, giving the tree a second life while honoring Hartford's history and "fostering a deep connection between visitors and nature," wrote the conservancy.

The White Oak Leaf Throne stands approximately 8 feet tall and 4 feet wide.

"This sculpture, envisioned by Tao LaBossiere, transforms the trunk of the once majestic tree into a whimsical, functional work of fine art," wrote the conservancy.

"The artwork invites visitors to connect with nature, providing a unique space to sit, reflect, and engage with a piece of Hartford's living history."

Conservancy officials are excited about the work, adding more art is coming.

“The White Oak Leaf Throne marks the beginning of a new series of projects under the 'Art in the Park' initiative,” said Biota MacDonald, board president, of the Bushnell Park Conservancy. “With the recent removal of three decayed trees, Tao presented the Conservancy with an opportunity to transform one of these trunks into art. This initiative will extend the life of park trees in a meaningful and visually captivating way, contributing to the park's natural beauty and cultural significance”.

This project was funded by donations from 82 individual community donors matched by Sustainable CT's Community Match Fund, Greater Hartford Arts Council, Tremaine Foundation, Edward C. & Ann T. Roberts Foundation, and Hartford City Council Civic Engagement Fund.

Bushnell Park, established in 1854 as the first publicly funded park in the United States, is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Bushnell Park Conservancy, founded in 1981 by citizens, is a private, non-profit organization committed to protecting, preserving, and enhancing Bushnell Park.

For more information on the Bushnell Park Conservancy, click on this link.