The Warren Arts and Cultural Commission invites the public to welcome “Celeste” by Chris Plaisted at the newly poured concrete pad adjacent to the East Bay Bike Path on Railroad Avenue. This is the first installment of the Warren Arts and Cultural Commission’s new Rotating Sculpture Program.
The creation of Chris Plaisted’s of New Milford, CT, “Celeste” is a 20-foot-high spire created with rebar that has reached a rich patina. The spire is topped with a cloud of bright yellow painted steel wires and suspended reflective metal globes interspersed with small solar-powered lights. Designed to spin in the wind and reflect its surroundings, the sculpture glistens in the rain and shines in the sunshine or moonlight creating a dynamic piece reminiscent of the heavens.
Following a 20-year career as a graphic designer, Plaisted has been creating public sculptures for almost a decade. His artworks juxtapose the elements of steel, copper, wood, concrete, and other metals with abstract and figurative concepts. He draws inspiration from people, places, bridges, ships, architecture, and various mythological and historical themes.
The Warren Arts and Cultural Commission’s goal is to feature a new public sculpture each year, expanding opportunities for public-facing art that provides access to the arts by the wider community. Plaisted’s work was selected after an open call for sculptural work that was juried by a panel of community and commission members.