| September 2004 | |
Newsboy sculpture celebrates our history
Wanda Garner Cash Before I even begin the sculpture I can feel the passion for this piece stirring in me. These newsboys were the delivery system for news. I am always thrilled when I find young people who make a difference in the world. Maybe that is why I have such a desire to help youth. So they can realize their potential and in turn make a difference.” Bridgette Mongeon, sculptor … There’s little doubt the best thing about working at a newspaper is that you get paid to learn something new every day. Admittedly, some days deliver greater educational fulfillment, like when you pry loose a dry rub recipe from the brisket cook-off champ. Other days, the lessons might be as dry as learning how sacrificial anodes function in electric transmission systems. Overall, though, the journey makes the learning enjoyable. The Texas Press Association’s very existence is founded upon the idea of lifetime learning, helping newspapers succeed by offering lessons in every aspect of our industry. Today, I invite you to accompany TPA on a different kind of learning journey. It’s not computer training, although a computer is required for the trip. No ad selling strategies, but marketing is definitely involved. And while it’s not an editorial seminar, it is filled with stories, headlines, photos, design and artwork. And just as with any educational experience, participation will enhance the benefits. Here’s some background before I fill in the details: As you know, TPA is observing its 125th anniversary. We’ve got a year’s worth of celebrating planned, pictures, books and fun. The high point happens May 19, 2005, 125 years to the day when 77 newspaper owners and editors gathered at a hotel near the banks of Buffalo Bayou in Houston and founded the Texas Press Association. On that special day next spring, we hope to gather again, this time at the state Capitol where, depending on the newspaper industry’s political fortune, the Texas Legislature will wish us a Happy Anniversary. And, drawing on that same savings account of legislative good will, TPA plans to unveil a statue on the Capitol grounds, commemorating the entwined history of Texas newspapers and the Lone Star State. Following unanimous board approval at the TPA meeting in June, work on our “Newsboy” statue is well under way. The executive board met two weeks ago and selected Houston artist Bridgette Mongeon from a field of accomplished sculptor applicants. Mongeon is a sculptor, artist, writer, educator “and a wife and mom too,” she says. After a previous career in advertising and marketing, about 20 years ago she embarked upon her self-education in sculpture and today embraces her art full-time. Mongeon’s artistry and skill in capturing the innocence and vitality of her young subjects made her the clear choice to bring our “Newsboy” to life That decision was affirmed when TPA Executive Director Mike Hodges and I visited Mongeon at her Houston Heights-area studio recently. After meeting her in person and seeing her works in progress, Mike and I were captivated by her energy and enthusiasm for the project. And that’s what we want to share with you. Come along with us, as we learn about sculpting and participate in Bridgette Mongeon’s creative process. This remarkable sculptor-artist-writer-educator-wife-and-mom has developed a Web site devoted to TPA’s “Newsboy.” She has invited all of us into her studio, to peer over her shoulder as she molds clay and wax and metal into a monumental tribute to Texas newspapers. She truly wants to teach and share and hear from us. “Because this sculpture is a part of history,” Mongeon says, “it makes it all the more fascinating for me…” So, log in, learn, interact, enjoy. |
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