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Would Jefferson Park be a good home for Mr.Smedley?

Mr.Smedley, the sculpture that used to prominent at 6th Street Market Place, has been in storage from some years. Now folks are working to find a new home for the piece:

The statue is of a smiling, tall, lanky entertainer doffing his bowler hat, revealing a mouse perched on his head. Sculptor John Temple “Jack” Witt — the same man who sculpted the Bill “Bojangles” Robinson statue in Jackson Ward — wasn’t happy to find out that Mr. Smedley was laying face down and covered by a plastic tarp at a City of Richmond storage facility. […]

Witt suggested Jefferson Park in Union Hill might be a good spot for him since it is frequented by children. It also has a small performance area and a beautiful view of the downtown skyline from atop the hill above Shockoe Valley.

19 comments

RigganRVA 01/15/2013 at 1:46 PM

Thank you for posting this. I’ve gotten a call supporting Jefferson Park. Folks in Southside on Hills and Heights are saying Forest Hill Park, let’s get more input from the neighborhoods!

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Houdon 01/15/2013 at 2:11 PM

They can bring the statue if they also bring our long-expected fountain.

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Karen 01/15/2013 at 4:44 PM

I think he would be perfect in Jefferson Park!!!!

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Dear Neighbor 01/15/2013 at 8:10 PM

When can we start talking about a statue of Doug Wilder at 25th and M in the traffic circle? Equestrian, plz. Thx.

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RigganRVA 01/15/2013 at 10:06 PM

If there is a groundswell of interest, I think the artist would really like Jefferson Park. Southside folks are pretty enthusiastic.

Although, I think Dear Neighbor’s suggestion that L. Douglas Wilder needs to be honored may take priority over Mr. Smedley.

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Elaine Odell 01/16/2013 at 8:43 AM

Oh yes! Bring it to Jefferson Park. Jack Witt would be MOST appreciated here.

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Bill Conkle 01/17/2013 at 8:15 AM

A perfect fit with Jefferson Park and its close proximity to the Montessori School. The park and neighborhood cry out for a wonderful piece of public art.

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J 01/17/2013 at 11:18 AM

Which is uglier ? Bojangles or this? I think art is good. Just not this . I vote no . No drama . Just don’t like it.

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Elaine Odell 01/17/2013 at 2:39 PM

Last night, at the monthly Union Hill Civic Assoc meeting, the group voted unanimously to support the concept of relocating “Mr. Smedly” to Jefferson Park. Several members of The Friends of Jefferson Park were on hand and pledged to collaborate with the city/parks/recs to bring Jack Witt’s statue to the children and families who enjoy the park and playground area.

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Eric S. Huffstutler 01/17/2013 at 4:11 PM

I mis the 6th Street Market and wish they had never torn it down. Made no sense to looking back seeing what NEVER happened after tearing down half of downtown.

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Paul Hammond 01/18/2013 at 12:47 PM

Agreed Eric.

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J 01/18/2013 at 2:40 PM

I thought the Doug Wilder statue comment was a joke at first??

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SgtParkside 01/20/2013 at 9:00 AM

Let’s not get hung up on the “Mr. Bojangles” theme. Some sort of permanent art would be good in Jeff. Park. “Our Park” has come a Loooong way since I moved into the neighborhood almost 7yrs ago-after alot of work and involvement by Union Hillian’s . I would recommend some sort of wrought iron fence around it though, unless the idea is for kids to “play” on it & to accept any possible vandalism.

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Bill Conkle 01/24/2013 at 6:21 PM

I think this piece of public art would look great and be themed perfectly near the playground and performance stage. With recent improvements to the landscaping and stairs, and the new fountain planned for installation this spring, Jefferson Park is primed for a wonderful piece of public art that can be enjoyed by the children and all visitors to the park.

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