Ceremony dedicates new statue at library

HAMMONDSPORT--The Fred & Harriett Taylor Memorial Library has long been a pillar of the Hammondsport Community, dating back to 1876. Over almost 150 years it has embarked on many changes, none more significant than its move to 21 William St. in 2007 to a brand new building.
That building was the dream of Katherine S. Meade, a visionary whose dedication and drive raised the funds and ensured its success. And while the community of Hammondsport lost Katherine too early in February of 2021, her legacy has continued on in the work the library has done for the patrons, town, and all those who walk through the doors.
It is because of this legacy that the library had hoped to find some way to honor her memory at the site that was so important to her.
Katherine had always loved the bronze statues outside of other libraries that depicted children reading and often mused about getting one for Hammondsport. When friends and the Meade family heard about this, it seemed the ball had already begun rolling to get such a statue in her honor. The library was informed that private donors would generously fund the statue if the board and staff would secure an artist and organize the process.
The board of the library launched a nationwide search for the perfect sculptor for the piece. It had to be bronze and donors had requested it be of Katherine and her three grandchildren Ashley Meade, Joey Meade and Ada Crane. After much research and talking to different artists it just so happened that the obvious and absolute best choice happened to be waiting on the other side of Keuka Lake.
Dexter Benedict is a bronze sculptor with a Masters in Fine Arts from Greensboro College in North Carolina who both taught as a Professor of Art at Keuka College and also as a private sculptor creating pieces for both organizations and private buyers all over the country.
At his studio, Fire Works Foundry, his process begins with photos of the subject from as many angles as possible. From there he renders a likeness in clay which he can continue to manipulate until both the commissioner and himself are happy with the results. He then creates a plaster mold, brushes it with wax, and is able to pour molten bronze into the cast. Once all the pieces are cast the entire statue is carefully welded together for the final result.
The final statue at the library of Katherine carries the balance of Dexter's artistic choices where clay is layered and scratched giving depth and texture while also presenting the likeness of Katherine and her grandchildren.
On Saturday, Oct. 15 the library held an unveiling of the new sculpture, which graces a terrace on the Shethar Street side of the building. Close to 100 invited guests of the Meade family, friends, and former and current board members and staff of the library gathered for the ceremony.
The library invites both visitors and residents alike to view the statue and to stop in to learn about Katherine, and grab a cup of coffee and a good book! All are welcome at the library, Katherine certainly would agree.
See www.hammondsportlibrary.org and www.facebook.com/HammondsportPublicLibrary for more information about the Fred & Harriett Taylor Memorial Library.