MOUNT VERNON—German artist Knut Hueneke has created Mount Vernon’s newest piece of public art. “The Guardian” is a sculpture which sits atop Little Mountain.
The sculpture was featured at the Matzke Fine Art Gallery & Sculpture Park on Camano Island, before being purchased and donated to the Mount Vernon Arts Commission by an anonymous benefactor.
The Mount Vernon Parks Department is planning a dedication ceremony at the top of Little Mountain Park on Thursday, November 21st at 11:30am.
The stone-carved statue sits at approximately 5 feet tall, its bent legs held close to its chest by both of its arms, and its gaze set intently at the view of the Valley below.
According to Hueneke, the image he has sculpted represents the development of humankind. The rock medium is an homage to the vast timespan and forces at work in the creation of the rock itself.
His intent was to leave “as much rock as possible,” and to use only “as much shape as necessary,” to convey meaning to his work.
The addition of the sculpture marks the 15th piece of public art added to the City by the Mount Vernon Arts Commission in the past 10 years.