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Blowing Rock Historical Society Dedicates Newest Project, Life Size Bronze of Elliott Daingerfield to be Unveiled

Blowing Rock, NC – The Official Dedication will feature special guest Dr. Larry J. Wheeler, Ceo and Director of the North Carolina Museum of Art. The event is scheduled for September 9th at 5:00- 7:00. VIP’s from around the state will welcome the first sculpture honoring a visual artist in North Carolina. The clay model of “Elliott Daingerfield en Plein Air” by renowned artist Brenda Mauney Councill, was presented to the Public and Town Council in February and won approval to be placed on the historic grounds of Edgewood Cottage.

“ The Historical Society is excited about this major project– the sculpture will add interest and help to explain the significance of Edgewood Cottage
to visitors. ” states Rita White, President of BRHS.

This public art project will relate and continue the important narrative so significant to Blowing Rock and Edgewood Cottage, the restored landmark studio of Daingerfield, located on Main Street. Edgewood Cottage, Daingerfield’s first studio and home, will gain a significant public art centerpiece: a life size bronze of the artist, who traveled between Blowing Rock and New York until his death in 1932. Plein air (French for painting outside) classes were conducted by Mr. Daingerfield beginning in 1886 at Edgewood Cottage. His fortunate summer students and residents must have marveled at his presence and class attendance was high as noted by the photo archives and collections on view at the Blowing Rock Historical Society. Ms. Councill enlisted the assistance of Daingerfield’s grandson, Joseph Dulaney, to model for the period-style sculpture. Dulaney bears a remarkable resemblance to his grandfather and is a life long resident of Blowing Rock.

“I am thrilled and thankful that another prominent artist has sought to expand on my grandfather’s legacy”, said Mr. Dulaney when he saw the work in progress.