James Avati
Collection Name: Utah State Public Art Collection
Type: Public Art Project
Dimensions: 6' x 34" x 34"
Repository Name: Hill Aerospace Museum
Date: 1992
Copyright: Copyright All Years. Utah Division of Arts & Museums. All Rights Reserved.
View all works by: James Avati
This bronze figure resembles Chesley Peterson, who was a Santaquin, Utah native and an active leader and pilot during WWII and had the distinction of being promoted to Colonel at the age of 23. The seated pose of the sculpture is intended to evoke a sense of strength, confidence, reliance and a human quality of being approachable while representing the common man in extraordinary circumstances. Avati chose the pose to reflect the mood of time and place, its history and textural elements of clothing, parachute, and a letter from home received by servicemen while serving their country.